Cellulose and semi-cellulose based fibers and yarns embedded with mineral particles and methods of making the same

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to relates to fibers, yarns, fabrics and other materials that interact with electromagnetic radiation, wherein these materials are made from a carrier material (such as a cellulose or semi-cellulose) and a plurality of mineral particles as well as methods of making these materials. Specifically, the materials interact with electromagnetic radiation by absorption, reflection, refraction, polarization, or wavelength shifting. The fibers, yarns, fabrics and other materials of the disclosure are useful in a variety of products including furniture upholstery, sportswear and fashion applications.

PRIORITY

This application claims priority as a continuation of International Application Number PCT/US20/13911, filed Jan. 16, 2020, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/793,159, filed Jan. 16, 2019, each of which is incorporated in their entirety herein.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to fibers, yarns, fabrics and other materials that interact with electromagnetic radiation.

BACKGROUND

Humans, as well as other organisms and substances, produce electromagnetic radiation in the form of, for example, heat or infrared radiation. In certain circumstances it is desirable to retain this radiation, such as, for example, applications in which maintaining body heat or food temperature is desired. For example, once a food product is cooked, it may reach a certain temperature; however, this heat is often lost by exposure to cooler temperatures such as ambient air. In another example, a human body is exposed to cooler temperatures, and infrared radiation is lost through the epidermis. There is a need for materials that prevent the escape of radiation from a heat-emitting object.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides active materials comprising a plurality of mineral particles suspended, embedded or otherwise incorporated in a cellulose or semi-cellulose carrier material (such as viscose, modal, rayon or lyocell). The active material is useful in the textile industry.

Retaining infrared radiation has beneficial properties including maintaining a particular temperature, evading detection by infrared sensors, insulating objects, such as pipes or other construction materials, to prevent heat transfer, and providing heat to prevent joint stiffness. There is a need for materials that prevent the escape of radiation from a heat-emitting object. There is a need for materials that block radiation. There is a need for materials that are wholly or partially renewable and/or sourced from renewable sources. There is a need for materials that have a low or no carbon footprint. Exemplary embodiments may be used to fill any purpose or need described herein. No single feature is necessary for the present invention, and any combination of features encompassing any combination of needs are within the scope of the present disclosure.

The active materials of the present disclosure exhibit interesting, useful and beneficial properties. For example, the fibers, yarns and fabrics comprising the active materials of the present disclosure may increase tcPO₂ compared to baseline, provide an increase in emissivity compared to materials lacking the mineral particles of the present disclosure, and/or provide an ash test exceeding 1.0%. Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may use cellulose or semi-cellulose carrier materials that are derived from renewable and/or sustainable sources (such as bamboo). In some embodiments, the active material interacts with electromagnetic radiation by absorption, reflection, refraction, polarization, or wavelength shifting. In some embodiments, the active material of the present disclosure absorbs a greater amount of infrared radiation when compared to a material made with only the carrier material provided with the same source of radiation.

In some embodiments, the active material is a fiber material comprising a cellulose or semi-cellulose carrier material and a plurality of mineral particles disposed within the carrier material (“active fiber material”). In further embodiments, the fiber material is used to produce textiles, films, coatings, and/or protective or insulating materials.

In some embodiments, the cellulose or semi-cellulose carrier material comprises lyocell, modal, rayon, or viscose and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the cellulose or semi-cellulose carrier material comprises viscose.

In some embodiments, the mineral particle has an average particle size of less than about 2.0 μm.

In some embodiments, the active fiber materials of the present disclosure comprise a cellulose or semi-cellulose carrier material wherein the plurality of mineral particles is selected from the group consisting of silicon carbide (SiC), calcium carbide (CaC₂), titanium dioxide (TiO₂), aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), silicon dioxide (SiO₂), zirconium oxide, quartz, boron, tourmaline, manganese, silica, carbon, Citrine, Carnelian, Kaolin clay, Lapis, and mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides an active fiber material wherein the mineral particles comprise about 1% to about 20% by weight of the fiber material. In some embodiments, the mineral particles comprise about 1.25% to about 10% by weight of the fiber material. In some embodiments, the mineral particles comprise about 5% by weight of the fiber material. In some embodiments, the mineral particles comprise about 10% by weight of the fiber material.

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of making an active material comprising suspending a plurality of mineral particles in a carrier material. In some embodiments, the method of making an active fiber material comprises suspending a plurality of mineral particles in a cellulose or semi-cellulose carrier material to provide an active fiber material, wherein the mineral particles comprise about 1% to about 10% by weight of the fiber material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B show an active fiber material of the present disclosure comprising viscose as the cellulose or semi-cellulose carrier material. The fibers in FIG. 1A include 5% of mineral particles by weight of the fiber material and the fibers of FIG. 1B include 10% of mineral particles by weight of the fiber material. Both fiber types exhibit good spinning behavior and particle distribution properties.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary viscose process.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary process for preparing mineral particles for incorporation into the viscose process illustrated, for example, by FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary image taken of the active material formed into fibers according to embodiments described herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary cross section of the active material in the form of fibers according to embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the following terms are believed to be well understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the following definitions are set forth to facilitate explanation of the presently disclosed subject matter.

It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Preferred methods, devices, and materials are described, although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present disclosure. All references cited herein (including U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,895,795 and 7,074,499, and U.S. Publication No. 2012/0156462) are incorporated for all purposes by reference in their entirety.

Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms “a”, “an”, and “the” refer to “one or more” when used in this application, including the claims. Thus, for example, reference to “a carrier” includes mixtures of one or more carriers, two or more carriers, and the like.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the present specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present application. Generally the term “about”, as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount of weight, time, dose, etc. is meant to encompass in one example variations of ±15% or ±10%, in another example ±5%, in another example ±1%, and in yet another example ±0.1% from the specified amount, as such variations are appropriate to perform the disclosed method. The term “about” may be understood by a person of skill in the art, in one embodiment, to be a suitable variation in order to achieve the claimed function or benefit with the claimed ingredient. The term “about” may be understood by a person of skill in the art, in one embodiment, to be a suitable variation typical in the measuring process or manufacturing tolerances as are typical for the art associated with the invention.

Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within the disclosure. That the upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges can independently be included in the smaller ranges is also encompassed within the disclosure, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the disclosure. Where a list of values is provided, it is understood that ranges between any two values in the list are also contemplated as additional embodiments encompassed within the scope of the disclosure, and it is understood that each intervening value to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of said range and any other listed or intervening value in said range is encompassed within the disclosure; that the upper and lower limits of said sub-ranges can independently be included in the sub-ranges is also encompassed within the disclosure, subject to any specifically excluded limit.

As used herein, the verb “comprise” as is used in this description and in the claims and its conjugations are used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded.

As used herein, the term “active material” refers to a system comprising one or more types of minerals and a carrier material wherein said mineral particles are suspended, embedded, or otherwise incorporated in said carrier material. The active material is capable of harvesting photon energy. The active material will be described in greater detail elsewhere herein.

As used herein, the phrase “harvest photon energy” refers to the act of absorbing photons whereby a molecule or atom comprising the material absorbing the photon transitions from the ground state to the excited state. Photons are particles representing quantum units of light, both visible and invisible to the naked eye, and carrying energy proportional to the electromagnetic radiation frequency.

As used herein, the term “absorption” refers to the physical process of absorbing light and term “absorbance” refers to a mathematical quantity expressing the ratio of light or radiation that falls upon a material and the amount that gets transmitted through the material. As used herein, the term “absorptivity” and “absorptance” refers to the optical absorption properties exhibited by a material.

As used here, the term “emissivity” refers to the ratio of the energy radiated from a material's surface to that radiated from a perfect emitter, known as a blackbody, at the same temperature and wavelength and under the same viewing conditions.

As used herein, the term “transmission of light” refers to the light that is passed through a material without being absorbed. As used herein, the term “transmissivity” and “transmittance” refers to the optical transmission properties exhibited by a material.

As used herein, the term “reflection” refers to the light that bounces back upon hitting a material or the light and its energy that is re-emitted upon hitting a material. As used herein, the term “reflectivity” or “reflectance” refers to the optical reflection properties exhibited by a material.

As used herein, the term “refraction” refers to a change in the transmitted light direction due to change in the transmission medium such as water or glass.

As used herein, the term “polarize” refers to the physical process in which light or radiation reflects off of or partially passes through a particle or a material where the direction of electric and magnetic field vectors in the wave is altered. Polarization of light or radiation may be partial or complete.

As used herein, the term “emit light,” “emitting light,” or “emission of light” refers to the physical process in which the excited state of the molecule or an atom due to absorption of energy falls back to its ground state thereby releasing energy in the form that can be quantified by its wavelength or a range of wavelengths. As used herein, the term “emissivity” or “emittance” refers to the optical emission properties exhibited by a material.

It is noted that the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has recommended to reserve the ending “-ivity” (such as in reflectivity and transmissivity) for radiative properties of pure, perfectly smooth materials and using the ending “-ance” (such as in reflectance and transmittance) for rough and contaminated surfaces.

As used herein, the term “light scattering” refers to a physical process in which light is reflected off of an object in many different directions due to the irregularities of the hitting surface or when hitting interfering particles, that is in between the object and the source of light. Small particles suspended in air can cause light scattering.

As used herein, the term “refractive index” refers to the ability of a particular substance to bend light when light is entering said substance.

As used herein, the term “extrude” refers to a process in which a material is forced out through a die to form material into certain shapes.

As used herein, the term “fiber” refers to an elongated, thread-like structured material having a characteristic longitudinal dimension (length) and a characteristic transverse dimension (diameter), wherein fibers can be used as component of a composite material by weaving or stitching. Fibers can be short (discontinuous) or long (continuous).

As used herein, the term “denier” refers to a unit of measure for the linear mass density of fibers. For example, a fiber having a length of 9000 m and weighing 1 gram has a denier of 1.

As used herein, the term “staple fiber” refers to a short or discontinuous fiber where the length of the fiber is cut in the length approximately from about 0.1 cm to about 15 cm.

As used herein, the term “film” refers to a flat or tubular flexible structure of the material used.

Fiber Material

The present disclosure relates to an active material comprising a plurality of mineral particles and a carrier material that interacts with electromagnetic radiation by absorption, reflection, refraction, polarization, or wavelength shifting. In some embodiments, the active material is a fiber material.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides an active fiber material, comprising a cellulose or semi-cellulose carrier material; and a plurality of mineral particles disposed within the carrier material, wherein the mineral particles comprise about 0.5% to about 20%, including about 0.5%, about 0.75%, about 1%, about 1.25%, about 1.5%, about 1.75%, about 2%, about 2.25%, about 2.5%, about 2.75%, about 3%, about 3.25%, about 3.5%, about 3.75%, about 4%, about 4.25%, about 4.5%, about 4.75%, about 5%, about 5.25%, about 5.5%, about 5.75%, about 6%, about 6.25%, about 6.5%, about 6.75%, about 7%, about 7.25%, about 7.5%, about 7.75%, about 8%, about 8.25%, about 8.5%, about 8.75%, about 9%, about 9.25%, about 9.5%, about 9.75%, about 10%, about 10.25%, about 10.5%, about 10.75%, about 11%, about 11.25%, about 11.5%, about 11.75%, about 12%, about 12.25%, about 12.5%, about 12.75%, about 13%, about 13.25%, about 13.5%, about 13.75%, about 14%, about 14.25%, about 14.5%, about 14.75%, about 15%, about 15.25%, about 15.5%, about 15.75%, about 16%, about 16.25%, about 16.5%, about 16.75%, about 17%, about 17.25%, about 17.5%, about 17.75%, about 18%, about 18.25%, about 18.5%, about 18.75%, about 19%, about 19.25%, about 19.5%, about 19.75%, about 20%, and all ranges therebetween, by weight of the fiber material. In some embodiments, the mineral particles comprise about 1% to about 10% by weight of the fiber material. In some embodiments, the mineral particles comprise about 1.25% to about 10% by weight of the fiber material. In some embodiments, the mineral particles comprise about 5% by weight of the fiber material.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides an active fiber material, comprising a cellulose or semi-cellulose carrier material; and a plurality of mineral particles disposed within the carrier material, wherein the mineral particles comprise about 0.5% to about 20%, including about 0.5%, about 0.75%, about 1%, about 1.25%, about 1.5%, about 1.75%, about 2%, about 2.25%, about 2.5%, about 2.75%, about 3%, about 3.25%, about 3.5%, about 3.75%, about 4%, about 4.25%, about 4.5%, about 4.75%, about 5%, about 5.25%, about 5.5%, about 5.75%, about 6%, about 6.25%, about 6.5%, about 6.75%, about 7%, about 7.25%, about 7.5%, about 7.75%, about 8%, about 8.25%, about 8.5%, about 8.75%, about 9%, about 9.25%, about 9.5%, about 9.75%, about 10%, about 10.25%, about 10.5%, about 10.75%, about 11%, about 11.25%, about 11.5%, about 11.75%, about 12%, about 12.25%, about 12.5%, about 12.75%, about 13%, about 13.25%, about 13.5%, about 13.75%, about 14%, about 14.25%, about 14.5%, about 14.75%, about 15%, about 15.25%, about 15.5%, about 15.75%, about 16%, about 16.25%, about 16.5%, about 16.75%, about 17%, about 17.25%, about 17.5%, about 17.75%, about 18%, about 18.25%, about 18.5%, about 18.75%, about 19%, about 19.25%, about 19.5%, about 19.75%, about 20%, and all ranges therebetween, by weight of the fiber material. In some embodiments, the mineral particles comprise about 1% to about 10% by weight of the fiber material. In some embodiments, the mineral particles comprise about 1.25% to about 10% by weight of the fiber material. In some embodiments, the mineral particles comprise about 5% by weight of the fiber material.

In some embodiments, the active materials of the disclosure are used in a textile fiber, a non-woven membrane, a film, a coating, and/or a protective or insulating material or a similar product. In some embodiments, the fibers or like material of the present disclosure utilize materials/components and/or have uses and properties as disclosed in U.S. Pat. App. Publ. Nos. 2013/0045382 and 2016/0081281, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Products that incorporate the active material provide additional beneficial properties to a subject wearing such a product. Beneficial properties include, for example, wound healing, skin fibroblast stimulation, fibroblast growth and proliferation, increased DNA synthesis, increased protein synthesis, increased cell proliferation by changing the optical properties in and around the human interacting with light, and changing the wavelength, reflecting, or absorbing light in the electromagnetic spectrum. In combination with electromagnetic radiation, the active materials of the present disclosure, as well as compositions that contain them, provide such beneficial properties.

In some embodiments, the active materials of the present disclosure trap source infrared radiation, provide heat to an object, or prevent the escape of infrared light. The active materials of the present disclosure are useful in the insulation of heating and cooling systems, thermal insulation for outdoor recreation, retention of infrared light by military forces to prevent detection, and insulation of perishable items. In some embodiments, the active materials of the present disclosure are incorporated into a fabric, which may be used in a variety of applications including hosiery, footwear, active wear, sportswear, sports wraps, base layer, gloves, and bandages. In some embodiments, these items have additional beneficial properties such as controlling odor, regulating heat, providing protection from fire, providing protection from harmful light, insulation, wound healing, and preserving food.

Electromagnetic light is one portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Electromagnetic light spans the spectrum from 10 nm to 1060 nm of wavelength and includes ultraviolet light, visible light, and infrared light. Ultraviolet (“UV”) light has wavelengths from 10 nm to 390 nm and is divided into near (390 to 300 nm), mid (300 to 200 nm), and far (200 to 10 nm) spectra regions. Visible light is between the wavelengths of 390 and 770 nm and is divided into violet, blue, green, yellow, orange, and red light. Infrared (“IR”) light spans from 770 nm to 10⁶ nm and includes near (770 to 1.5×10³ nm), mid (1.5×10³ to 6×10³ nm), and far (6×10³ to 10⁶ nm) regions. The refractive index (“RI”) is a measure of a substance's ability to bend light. Light and optical energy that the body is exposed to extends throughout the electromagnetic spectrum. The adult human body, at rest, emits about 100 watts of IR in the mid and far wavelengths. During exercise this level rises sharply and the distribution of wavelengths changes.

Based on this disclosure and the skill in the art, the artisan of ordinary skill is able to select the mineral particles and the carrier materials to achieve certain desired characteristics of the resulting active material. In some embodiments, the active material combines the mineral particles and carrier materials to create custom light absorption and reflective profiles. In most embodiments, the active material is biologically benign, or inert.

Near-infrared light at wavelengths of 680, 730 and 880 nm stimulates wound healing in laboratory animals, and near-infrared light has been shown to quintuple the growth of fibroblasts and muscle cells in tissue culture. Thus, In some embodiments, the mineral particles and the carrier materials are selected to provide reflective or pass through these of light beneficial wavelengths of light.

In some embodiments, the active material is selected to provoke melanin excitement, which occurs at about 15 nm. To achieve this excitement an energy range from a band about 10 nm to about 2.5 microns from the human metabolic action is used. Daylight from either an outdoor broadband or an indoor lamp ranges from about 1.1 microns, with a “hump” around 900 nm and a broad general peak around 700-800 nm, and also includes lesser wavelengths such as 400 to 700 nm. Some of the general properties and desirable filtering and changes include but are not limited to having band pass in the 600 to 900 nm band range. Thus, In some embodiments, a carrier material is selected to have a transparency from 200-900 nm and a mineral particle is selected to have a wavelength between about 950 and 550 nm. In such embodiment, the carrier material is polyethylene terephthalate and the mineral particle has an average particle size of about 2.0 μm or less.

Mineral Used in the Fiber Material

In some embodiments, the active material is a fiber comprising a plurality of mineral particles. The mineral particles may be selected based upon several characteristics. In some embodiments, the mineral particles of the present disclosure are biologically benign, or inert. In some embodiments, said mineral exhibits optical properties of being transparent or semi-transparent.

In some embodiments, the mineral particle of the present disclosure is chosen for its ability to absorb, reflect, refract, polarize, or wavelength shift electromagnetic radiation.

In some embodiments, the mineral particles are selected from silicon carbide (SiC), calcium carbide (CaC₂), titanium dioxide (TiO₂), aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), silicon dioxide (SiO₂), and mixtures thereof. In other further embodiments, the mineral particles comprise silicon carbide (SiC), calcium carbide (CaC₂), titanium dioxide (TiO₂), aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), or silicon dioxide (SiO₂), or mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, the mineral particles comprise about 1% to about 20% by weight of the fiber material, e.g., about 1%, about 1.25%, about 1.5%, about 1.75%, about 2%, about 2.25%, about 2.5%, about 2.75%, about 3%, about 3.25%, about 3.5%, about 3.75%, about 4%, about 4.25%, about 4.5%, about 4.75%, about 5%, about 5.25%, about 5.5%, about 5.75%, about 6%, about 6.25%, about 6.5%, about 6.75%, about 7%, about 7.25%, about 7.5%, about 7.75%, about 8%, about 8.25%, about 8.5%, about 8.75%, about 9%, about 9.25%, about 9.5%, about 9.75%, about 10%, about 11.25%, about 11.5%, about 11.75%, about 12%, about 12.25%, about 12.5%, about 12.75%, about 13%, about 13.25%, about 13.5%, about 13.75%, about 14%, about 14.25%, about 14.5%, about 14.75%, about 15%, about 15.25%, about 15.5%, about 15.75%, about 16%, about 16.25%, about 16.5%, about 16.75%, about 17%, about 17.25%, about 17.5%, about 17.75%, about 18%, about 18.25%, about 18.5%, about 18.75%, about 19%, about 19.25%, about 19.5%, about 19.75%, and about 20%, including all ranges and values therebetween.

In some embodiments, the mineral particles comprise about 1% to about 10% by weight of the fiber material. In some embodiments, the mineral particles comprise about 1.25% to about 10% by weight of the fiber material. In some embodiments, the mineral particles comprise about 1% to about 5% by weight of the fiber material. In some embodiments, the mineral particles comprise about 1.25% to about 5% by weight of the fiber material. In some embodiments, the mineral particles comprise about 1.5% to about 10% by weight of the fiber material. In some embodiments, the mineral particles comprise about 2% to about 10% by weight of the fiber material. In some embodiments, the mineral particles comprise about 2.5% to about 10% by weight of the fiber material. In some embodiments, the mineral particles comprise about 3% to about 10% by weight of the fiber material. In some embodiments, the mineral particles comprise about 3.5% to about 10% by weight of the fiber material. In some embodiments, the mineral particles comprise about 4% to about 10% by weight of the fiber material. In some embodiments, the mineral particles comprise about 4.5% to about 10% by weight of the fiber material. In some embodiments, the mineral particles comprise about 5% to about 10% by weight of the fiber material. Non-limiting examples of disclosed fibers comprising mineral particles are shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

Mineral Size and Shape

In some embodiments, the mineral particles of the present disclosure are processed into certain sizes or shapes to alter their optical properties. In some embodiments, the mineral particles are reduced in size and shape by a process known in the art, such as grinding, polishing, or tumbling. These processes help to determine the particle size of the mineral, the concentration of each type of minerals, and the physical characteristics of the mineral. In some embodiments, the physical characteristics include the smoothness and/or shape of the mineral particles.

In some embodiments, the mineral particles are reduced in size to a substantially scalloped shape. In some embodiments, the substantially scalloped shaped mineral particles shift wavelengths of received light. In some embodiments, the mineral particles are reduced in size to substantially spherical shape. In some embodiments, the substantially spherical shaped mineral particles shorten wavelength of the received light. In some embodiments, the mineral particles are reduced in size to substantially triangular shape with round edges. In some embodiments, the substantially triangular shaped mineral particles with round edges reflect, absorb, or scatter the received light. In some embodiments, the mineral particles are reduced in size to substantially convex shape. While not wishing to be bound to any particular theory, we believe said substantially convex shaped mineral particles allow for maximum surface area to interact with light.

In some embodiments, the average mineral particle size is about 0.5 to about 2.0 microns. In some embodiments, the mineral particle have an average size of about 0.50 microns, 0.55 microns, 0.60 microns, 0.65 microns, 0.70 microns, 0.75 microns, 0.80 microns, 0.85 microns, 0.90 microns, 0.95 microns, 1.00 microns, 1.05 microns, 1.10 microns, 1.15 microns, 1.20 microns, 1.25 microns, 1.30 microns, 1.35 microns, 1.40 microns, 1.45 microns, 1.50 microns, 1.55 microns, 1.55 microns, 1.60 microns, 1.65 microns, 1.70 microns, 1.75 microns, 1.80 microns, 1.85 microns, 1.90 microns, 1.95 microns, or 2.00 microns.

In some embodiments, the average mineral particle size is about 0.5 to about 2.0 microns. In some embodiments, the mineral particle has an average size is in the range of about 0.50-0.60 microns, 0.60-0.70 microns, 0.70-0.80 microns, 0.80-0.90 microns, 0.90-1.00 microns, 1.00-1.10 microns, 1.10-1.20 microns, 1.20-1.30 microns, 1.30-1.40 microns, 1.40-1.50 microns, 1.50-1.60 microns, 1.60-1.70 microns, 1.70-1.80 microns, 1.80-1.90 microns, and 1.90-2.00 microns.

In some embodiments, the mineral particle size is related to the target wavelength of its absorption. For example, if the target absorption is about 750 nm, then the mineral particle is reduced to a size of about 750 nm.

In some embodiments, the mineral particles are ground to reach an approximate particle size of about 0.5 microns to about 2.0 microns.

Carrier Materials

In some embodiments, the plurality of mineral particles of the active materials are dispersed, suspended, embedded, or otherwise incorporated into a carrier material. In some embodiments, the carrier materials for the active materials are chosen for their ability to hold the mineral particles. In some embodiments, the carrier materials for the active materials are chosen so that the mineral particles and the carrier material do not chemically react.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates in part to the surprising finding that relatively high amounts of mineral particles (for example, about 5% to about 10% by weight of the fiber material) can be incorporated into a cellulose or semi-cellulose carrier materials (such as viscose) to provide a fiber with the mechanical properties necessary for further processing into a textile (e.g., adequate tenacity, breaking elongation, etc.). In contrast, attempts to incorporate more than about 1.25% of a mineral particle into a pure synthetic carrier material (such as PET) provides brittle fibers that are not suitable for further processing into yarns, fabrics, etc.

In some embodiments, the carrier material of the present disclosure is selected based on its ability to interact with light radiation by absorbing, reflecting, refracting, and/or changing the wavelength.

In some embodiments, the carrier materials of the active materials are chosen for their ability to be shaped or manufactured for particular uses. Some carrier materials are flexible and can be manipulated and re-shaped multiple times.

In some embodiments, the carrier material is a cellulose or semi-cellulose material. In further embodiments, the cellulose or semi-cellulose material is selected from the group consisting of lyocell, modal, viscose, viscose derivative, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the cellulose or semi-cellulose material is selected from the group consisting of viscose, modal, tencel, and cotton.

In some embodiments, the cellulose or semi-cellulose material is viscose.

In some embodiments, the viscose has a dry tenacity of about 20 cN/tex to about 30 cN/tex, e.g., about 20 cN/tex, about 21 cN/tex, about 22 cN/tex, about 23 cN/tex, about 24 cN/tex, about 25 cN/tex, about 26 cN/tex, about 27 cN/tex, about 28 cN/tex, about 29 cN/tex, or about 30 cN/tex, including all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the viscose has a dry tenacity of about 20 cN/tex to about 25 cN/tex. In some embodiments, the viscose has a dry tenacity of about 25 cN/tex to about 30 cN/tex. In some embodiments, the viscose has a dry tenacity of about 23 cN/tex to about 26 cN/tex. In some embodiments, the viscose has a dry tenacity of at least about 20 cN/tex, at least about 21 cN/tex, at least about 22 cN/tex, at least about 23 cN/tex, at least about 24 cN/tex, at least about 25 cN/tex, at least about 26 cN/tex, at least 27 cN/tex, at least 28 cN/tex, at least 29 cN/tex, or at least 30 cN/tex.

In some embodiments, the viscose has a wet tenacity of about 5 cN/tex to about 20 cN/tex, e.g., about 5 cN/tex, about 6 cN/tex, about 7 cN/tex, about 8 cN/tex, about 9 cN/tex, about 10 cN/tex, about 11 cN/tex, about 12 cN/tex, about 13 cN/tex, about 14 cN/tex, or about 15 cN/tex, including all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the viscose has a wet tenacity of about 10 cN/tex to about 15 cN/tex. In some embodiments, the viscose has a wet tenacity of at least about 5 cN/tex, at least about 6 cN/tex, at least about 7 cN/tex, at least about 8 cN/tex, at least about 9 cN/tex, at least about 10 cN/tex, at least about 11 cN/tex, at least 12 cN/tex, at least 13 cN/tex, at least 14 cN/tex, or at least 15 cN/tex.

In some embodiments, the viscose has a breaking elongation (dry conditions) of from about 10% to about 25%, e.g., about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, about 15%, about 16%, about 17%, about 18%, about 19%, about 20%, about 21%, about 22%, about 23%, about 24%, or about 25%, including all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the viscose has a breaking elongation (dry conditions) of from about 15% to about 25%. In some embodiments, the viscose has a breaking elongation (dry conditions) of from about 20% to about 25%. In some embodiments, the viscose has a breaking elongation (dry conditions) of from about 16% to about 21%. In some embodiments, the viscose has a breaking elongation (dry conditions) of at least 16%, at least 17%, at least 18%, at least 19%, at least 20%, or at least 21%.

In some embodiments, the viscose has a breaking elongation (wet conditions) of from about 20% to about 35%, e.g., about 20%, about 21%, about 22%, about 23%, about 24%, about 25%, about 26%, about 27%, about 28%, about 29%, about 30%, about 31%, about 32%, about 33%, about 34%, or about 35%, including all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the viscose has a breaking elongation (wet conditions) of from about 20% to about 25%. In some embodiments, the viscose has a breaking elongation (wet conditions) of from about 25% to about 30%. In some embodiments, the viscose has a breaking elongation (wet conditions) of at least 25%, at least 26%, at least 27%, at least 28%, at least 29%, or at least 30%.

In some embodiments, the viscose has a finish of from about 0.15% to about 0.30%, e.g., about 0.16%, about 0.17%, about 0.18%, about 0.19%, about 0.20%, about 0.21%, about 0.22%, about 0.23%, about 0.24%, about 0.25%, about 0.26%, about 0.27%, about 0.28%, about 0.29%, or about 0.30%, including all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the viscose has a finish of from about 0.19% to about 0.29%. In some embodiments, the viscose has a finish of from about 0.24% to about 0.29%. In some embodiments, the viscose has a finish of at least 18%, at least 19%, at least 20%, at least 21%, at least 22%, at least 23%, at least 24%, at least 25%, at least 26%, at least 27%, at least 28%, or at least 29%.

In some embodiments, the cellulose or semi-cellulose material is modal.

In some embodiments, the modal has a dry tenacity of about 30 cN/tex to about 40 cN/tex, e.g., about 30 cN/tex, about 31 cN/tex, about 32 cN/tex, about 33 cN/tex, about 34 cN/tex, about 35 cN/tex, about 36 cN/tex, about 37 cN/tex, about 38 cN/tex, about 39 cN/tex, or about 40 cN/tex, including all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the modal has a dry tenacity of about 30 cN/tex to about 35 cN/tex. In some embodiments, the modal has a dry tenacity of about 35 cN/tex to about 40 cN/tex. In some embodiments, the modal has a dry tenacity of at least about 30 cN/tex, at least about 31 cN/tex, at least about 32 cN/tex, at least about 33 cN/tex, at least about 34 cN/tex, at least about 35 cN/tex, at least about 36 cN/tex, at least 37 cN/tex, at least 38 cN/tex, at least 39 cN/tex, or at least 40 cN/tex.

In some embodiments, the modal has a wet tenacity of about 15 cN/tex to about 25 cN/tex, e.g., about 15 cN/tex, about 16 cN/tex, about 17 cN/tex, about 18 cN/tex, about 19 cN/tex, about 20 cN/tex, about 21 cN/tex, about 22 cN/tex, about 23 cN/tex, about 24 cN/tex, or about 25 cN/tex, including all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the modal has a wet tenacity of about 15 cN/tex to about 20 cN/tex. In some embodiments, the modal has a wet tenacity of about 20 cN/tex to about 25 cN/tex. In some embodiments, the modal has a wet tenacity of at least about 15 cN/tex, at least about 16 cN/tex, at least about 17 cN/tex, at least about 18 cN/tex, at least about 19 cN/tex, at least about 20 cN/tex, at least about 21 cN/tex, at least 22 cN/tex, at least 23 cN/tex, at least 24 cN/tex, or at least 25 cN/tex.

In some embodiments, the modal has a breaking elongation (dry conditions) of from about 10% to about 20%, e.g., about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, about 15%, about 16%, about 17%, about 18%, about 19%, or about 20%, including all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the modal has a breaking elongation (dry conditions) of from about 10% to about 15%. In some embodiments, the modal has a breaking elongation (dry conditions) of from about 15% to about 20%. In some embodiments, the modal has a breaking elongation (dry conditions) of at least 12%, at least 13%, at least 14%, at least 15%, at least 16%, or at least 17%.

In some embodiments, the modal has a breaking elongation (wet conditions) of from about 10% to about 20%, e.g., about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, about 15%, about 16%, about 17%, about 18%, about 19%, or about 20%, including all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the modal has a breaking elongation (wet conditions) of from about 10% to about 15%. In some embodiments, the modal has a breaking elongation (wet conditions) of from about 15% to about 20%. In some embodiments, the modal has a breaking elongation (wet conditions) of at least 12%, at least 13%, at least 14%, at least 15%, at least 16%, or at least 17%.

In some embodiments, the modal has a finish of from about 0.15% to about 0.30%, e.g., about 0.16%, about 0.17%, about 0.18%, about 0.19%, about 0.20%, about 0.21%, about 0.22%, about 0.23%, about 0.24%, about 0.25%, about 0.26%, about 0.27%, about 0.28%, about 0.29%, or about 0.30%, including all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the modal has a finish of from about 0.19% to about 0.29%. In some embodiments, the modal has a finish of from about 0.24% to about 0.29%. In some embodiments, the modal has a finish of at least 18%, at least 19%, at least 20%, at least 21%, at least 22%, at least 23%, at least 24%, at least 25%, at least 26%, at least 27%, at least 28%, or at least 29%.

In some embodiments, the cellulose or semi-cellulose material is tencel.

In some embodiments, the tencel has a dry tenacity of about 35 cN/tex to about 45 cN/tex, e.g., about 35 cN/tex, about 36 cN/tex, about 37 cN/tex, about 38 cN/tex, about 39 cN/tex, about 40 cN/tex, about 41 cN/tex, about 42 cN/tex, about 43 cN/tex, about 44 cN/tex, or about 45 cN/tex, including all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the tencel has a dry tenacity of about 35 cN/tex to about 40 cN/tex. In some embodiments, the tencel has a dry tenacity of about 40 cN/tex to about 45 cN/tex. In some embodiments, the tencel has a dry tenacity of about 38 cN/tex to about 42 cN/tex. In some embodiments, the tencel has a dry tenacity of at least about 35 cN/tex, at least about 36 cN/tex, at least about 37 cN/tex, at least about 38 cN/tex, at least about 39 cN/tex, at least about 40 cN/tex, at least about 41 cN/tex, at least 42 cN/tex, at least 43 cN/tex, at least 44 cN/tex, or at least 45 cN/tex.

In some embodiments, the tencel has a wet tenacity of about 30 cN/tex to about 50 cN/tex, e.g., about 30 cN/tex, about 31 cN/tex, about 32 cN/tex, about 33 cN/tex, about 34 cN/tex, about 35 cN/tex, about 36 cN/tex, about 37 cN/tex, about 38 cN/tex, about 39 cN/tex, about 40 cN/tex, about 41 cN/tex, about 42 cN/tex, about 43 cN/tex, about 44 cN/tex, about 45 cN/tex, about 46 cN/tex, about 47 cN/tex, about 48 cN/tex, about 49 cN/tex, or about 50 cN/tex, including all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the tencel has a wet tenacity of about 30 cN/tex to about 40 cN/tex. In some embodiments, the tencel has a wet tenacity of about 30 cN/tex to about 50 cN/tex. In some embodiments, the tencel has a wet tenacity of about 34 cN/tex to about 48 cN/tex. In some embodiments, the tencel has a wet tenacity of at least about 34 cN/tex, at least about 35 cN/tex, at least about 36 cN/tex, at least about 37 cN/tex, at least about 38 cN/tex, at least about 39 cN/tex, at least about 40 cN/tex, at least 41 cN/tex, at least 42 cN/tex, at least 43 cN/tex, at least 44 cN/tex, at least 45 cN/tex, at least 46 cN/tex, at least 47 cN/tex, or at least 48 cN/tex.

In some embodiments, the tencel has a breaking elongation (dry conditions) of from about 10% to about 20%, e.g., about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, about 15%, about 16%, about 17%, about 18%, about 19%, or about 20%, including all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the tencel has a breaking elongation (dry conditions) of from about 10% to about 15%. In some embodiments, the tencel has a breaking elongation (dry conditions) of from about 15% to about 20%. In some embodiments, the tencel has a breaking elongation (dry conditions) of from about 14% to about 16%. In some embodiments, the tencel has a breaking elongation (dry conditions) of at least 12%, at least 13%, at least 14%, at least 15%, or at least 16%.

In some embodiments, the tencel has a breaking elongation (wet conditions) of from about 10% to about 20%, e.g., about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, about 15%, about 16%, about 17%, about 18%, about 19%, or about 20%, including all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the tencel has a breaking elongation (wet conditions) of from about 10% to about 15%. In some embodiments, the tencel has a breaking elongation (wet conditions) of from about 15% to about 20%. In some embodiments, the tencel has a breaking elongation (wet conditions) of from about 16% to about 16%. In some embodiments, the tencel has a breaking elongation (wet conditions) of at least 12%, at least 13%, at least 14%, at least 15%, at least 16%, at least 17%, or at least 18%.

In some embodiments, the tencel has a finish of from about 0.15% to about 0.30%, e.g., about 0.16%, about 0.17%, about 0.18%, about 0.19%, about 0.20%, about 0.21%, about 0.22%, about 0.23%, about 0.24%, about 0.25%, about 0.26%, about 0.27%, about 0.28%, about 0.29%, or about 0.30%, including all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the tencel has a finish of from about 0.19% to about 0.29%. In some embodiments, the tencel has a finish of from about 0.24% to about 0.29%. In some embodiments, the tencel has a finish of at least 18%, at least 19%, at least 20%, at least 21%, at least 22%, at least 23%, at least 24%, at least 25%, at least 26%, at least 27%, at least 28%, or at least 29%.

In some embodiments, the cellulose or semi-cellulose material is cotton.

In some embodiments, the cotton has a dry tenacity of about 15 cN/tex to about 30 cN/tex, e.g., about 15 cN/tex, about 16 cN/tex, about 17 cN/tex, about 18 cN/tex, about 19 cN/tex, about 20 cN/tex, about 21 cN/tex, about 22 cN/tex, about 23 cN/tex, about 24 cN/tex, about 25 cN/tex, about 26 cN/tex, about 27 cN/tex, about 28 cN/tex, about 29 cN/tex, or about 30 cN/tex, including all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the cotton has a dry tenacity of about 15 cN/tex to about 20 cN/tex. In some embodiments, the cotton has a dry tenacity of about 20 cN/tex to about 25 cN/tex. In some embodiments, the cotton has a dry tenacity of about 25 cN/tex to about 30 cN/tex. In some embodiments, the cotton has a dry tenacity of at least about 20 cN/tex, at least about 21 cN/tex, at least about 22 cN/tex, at least about 23 cN/tex, at least about 24 cN/tex, at least about 25 cN/tex, at least about 26 cN/tex, at least 27 cN/tex, at least 28 cN/tex, at least 29 cN/tex, or at least 30 cN/tex.

In some embodiments, the cotton has a breaking elongation (dry conditions) of from about 5% to about 15%, e.g., about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, or about 15%, including all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the cotton has a breaking elongation (dry conditions) of from about 5% to about 10%. In some embodiments, the cotton has a breaking elongation (dry conditions) of from about 7% to about 9%. In some embodiments, the cotton has a breaking elongation (dry conditions) of from about 10% to about 15%. In some embodiments, the cotton has a breaking elongation (dry conditions) of at least 5%, at least 6%, at least 7%, at least 8%, or at least 9%.

In some embodiments, the cotton has a wet tenacity of about 20 cN/tex to about 35 cN/tex, e.g., about 20 cN/tex, about 21 cN/tex, about 22 cN/tex, about 23 cN/tex, about 24 cN/tex, about 25 cN/tex, about 26 cN/tex, about 27 cN/tex, about 28 cN/tex, about 29 cN/tex, about 30 cN/tex, about 31 cN/tex, about 32 cN/tex, about 33 cN/tex, about 34 cN/tex, or about 35 cN/tex, including all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the cotton has a wet tenacity of about 20 cN/tex to about 25 cN/tex. In some embodiments, the cotton has a wet tenacity of about 25 cN/tex to about 30 cN/tex. In some embodiments, the cotton has a wet tenacity of about 30 cN/tex to about 35 cN/tex. In some embodiments, the cotton has a wet tenacity of at least about 23 cN/tex, at least about 24 cN/tex, at least about 25 cN/tex, at least about 26 cN/tex, at least about 27 cN/tex, at least about 28 cN/tex, at least about 29 cN/tex, at least 30 cN/tex, at least 31 cN/tex, at least 32 cN/tex, at least 33 cN/tex, at least 34 cN/tex, or at least 35 cN/tex.

In some embodiments, the cotton has a breaking elongation (wet conditions) of from about 10% to about 20%, e.g., about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, about 15%, about 16%, about 17%, about 18%, about 19%, or about 20%, including all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the cotton has a breaking elongation (wet conditions) of from about 10% to about 15%. %. In some embodiments, the cotton has a breaking elongation (wet conditions) of from about 12% to about 14%. In some embodiments, the cotton has a breaking elongation (wet conditions) of from about 15% to about 20%. In some embodiments, the cotton has a breaking elongation (wet conditions) of at least 12%, at least 13%, at least 14%, at least 15%, at least 16%, or at least 17%.

In some embodiments, the cotton has a finish of from about 0.15% to about 0.30%, e.g., about 0.16%, about 0.17%, about 0.18%, about 0.19%, about 0.20%, about 0.21%, about 0.22%, about 0.23%, about 0.24%, about 0.25%, about 0.26%, about 0.27%, about 0.28%, about 0.29%, or about 0.30%, including all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the cotton has a finish of from about 0.19% to about 0.29%. In some embodiments, the cotton has a finish of from about 0.24% to about 0.29%. In some embodiments, the cotton has a finish of at least 18%, at least 19%, at least 20%, at least 21%, at least 22%, at least 23%, at least 24%, at least 25%, at least 26%, at least 27%, at least 28%, or at least 29%.

In some embodiments, the cellulose or semi-cellulose material comprises lyocell, modal, viscose, viscose derivative, or mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, the cellulose or semi-cellulose material comprises one type of cellulose or semi-cellulose material. In some embodiments, the cellulose or semi-cellulose material comprises more than one type of cellulose or semi-cellulose material

In some embodiments, the cellulose or semi-cellulose material is made from tree wood. In some embodiments, the tree wood soft wood. In some embodiments, the soft wood is selected from the group consisting of spruce, pine, fir, larch, hemlock, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the soft wood comprises spruce, pine, fir, larch or hemlock, or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the tree wood is hard wood. In some embodiments, the hard wood is selected from the group consisting of oak, beech, birch, aspen, poplar, eucalyptus, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the hard wood comprises oak, beech, birch, aspen, poplar, or eucalyptus, or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the hard wood is selected from the group consisting of oak, beech, birch, aspen, poplar, and mixtures thereof. In still other particular embodiments, the hard wood comprises oak, beech, birch, aspen, or poplar, or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the hard wood is not eucalyptus.

In some embodiments, the carrier material is a polymer matrix. In some embodiments, the carrier material of the present disclosure is selected from a group consisting of rayon, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, acrylic, celluloid, cellulose acetate, cycloolefin copolymer, ethylene-vinyl acetate, ethylene vinyl alcohol, fluoroplastics, ionomers, KYDEX®, liquid crystal polymer, polyacetal, polyacrylates, polyacrylonitrile, polyamide, polyamide-imide, polyaryletherketone, polybutadiene, polybutylene, polybutylene terephthalate, polycaprolactone, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polycyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polyhydroxyalkanoates, polyketone, polyester, polyethylene, polyetheretherketone, polyetherketoneketone, polyetherimide, polyethersulfone, polyethylenechlorinates, polyimide, polylactic acid, polymethylpentene, polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyphthalamide, polystyrene, polysulfone, polytrimethylene terephthalate, polyurethane, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, styrene-acrylonitrile, and mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, the carrier material of the present disclosure comprises rayon, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, acrylic, celluloid, cellulose acetate, cycloolefin copolymer, ethylene-vinyl acetate, ethylene vinyl alcohol, fluoroplastics, ionomers, KYDEX®, liquid crystal polymer, polyacetal, polyacrylates, polyacrylonitrile, polyamide, polyamide-imide, polyaryletherketone, polybutadiene, polybutylene, polybutylene terephthalate, polycaprolactone, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polycyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polyhydroxyalkanoates, polyketone, polyester, polyethylene, polyetheretherketone, polyetherketoneketone, polyetherimide, polyethersulfone, polyethylenechlorinates, polyimide, polylactic acid, polymethylpentene, polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyphthalamide, polystyrene, polysulfone, polytrimethylene terephthalate, polyurethane, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, or styrene-acrylonitrile, or mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, the polymer matrix comprises one type of a polymer. In some embodiments, the polymer matrix comprises one or more types of polymers.

In some embodiments, one or more cellulose or semi-cellulose materials is combined with one or polymer matrices.

In some embodiments, the active material comprises one or more polymer types selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, nylon, rayon, spandex, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the active material comprises polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, nylon, rayon, or spandex, or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the polymer matrix is PET.

In some embodiments, the polymer matrix contains additives such as coloring agent, surface stabilizer, surfactants, UV stabilizers, plasticizers, slip agents, mineral fillers, bonding agents, antistatic agents, oils, antioxidants, adhesives, and the like. In some embodiments, the coloring agent affects the optical properties of said polymer.

Properties of Active Material

In some embodiments, the active material absorbs light at one wavelength and emit at a different wavelength. Thus in some embodiments, the active material shortens the wavelength of the absorbed light. In some embodiments, the active material lengthens the wavelength of the absorbed light, depending on the desired effect. In some embodiments, the active material of the present disclosure is designed to absorb a portion of the light spectrum and convert it to heat or other type of energy. In some embodiments, the active material of the present disclosure allows for the transmission of portions of the spectrum such that selected wavelengths are allowed to pass through the active material. In other embodiments the active material of the present disclosure reflects selected portions of the light spectrum. In some embodiments, the active material is designed to selectively polarize certain portions of the spectrum, either during transmission, or reflection of said waves.

In some embodiments, a combination of the mineral and the carrier material results in the active material that emits light at a specific range. For example, in some embodiments, aluminum oxide promotes IR light lengthening. When said active material comprising aluminum oxide interacts with IR light, in some embodiments, the material releases light in a longer IR range than the range it absorbed.

In some embodiments, when more than one type of mineral is used to construct the active material, the material exhibits synergistic optical properties of those different minerals.

In some embodiments, the mineral particles and the carrier material, independently, have a light transmission in the range of about 200 nm to about 1100 nm. In some embodiments, the mineral particles and the carrier material, independently, have a light transmission of about 200 nm, 225 nm, 250 nm, 275 nm, 300 nm, 325 nm, 350 nm, 375 nm, 400 nm, 425 nm, 450 nm, 475 nm, 500 nm, 525 nm, 550 nm, 575 nm, 600 nm, 625 nm, 650 nm, 675 nm, 700 nm, 725 nm, 750 nm, 775 nm, 800 nm, 825 nm, 850 nm, 875 nm, 900 nm, 925 nm, 950 nm, 975 nm, 1000 nm, 1025 nm, 1050 nm, 1075 nm, and/or 1100 nm.

In some embodiments, the mineral particles and the carrier material, independently, have a light transmission in the range of about 200 nm to about 1100 nm. In some embodiments, the mineral particles and the carrier material, independently, have a light transmission of in the range of about 200-250 nm, 250-300 nm, 300-350 nm, 350-400 nm, 400-450 nm, 450-500 nm, 500-550 nm, 550-600 nm, 600-650 nm, 650-700 nm, 700-750 nm, 750-800 nm, 800-850 nm, 850-900 nm, 900-950 nm, 950-1000 nm, 1000-1050 nm, and/or 1050-1100 nm.

In some embodiments, the mineral particles and the carrier material, independently, absorb light in the range of about 10 nm to about 15000 nm.

In some embodiments, the mineral particles and the carrier material, independently, absorb light in the range of about 10 nm to about 200 nm. In some embodiments, the mineral particles and the carrier material, independently, absorb light at about 10 nm, 20 nm, 30 nm, 40 nm, 50 nm, 60 nm, 70 nm, 80 nm, 90 nm, 100 nm, 110 nm, 120 nm, 130 nm, 140 nm, 150 nm, 160 nm, 170 nm, 180 nm, and/or 200 nm.

In some embodiments, the mineral particles and the carrier material, independently, absorb light in the range of about 10 nm to about 200 nm. In some embodiments, the mineral particles and the carrier material, independently, absorb light in the range of about 10-20 nm, 20-40 nm, 40-60 nm, 60-80 nm, 80-100 nm, 100-120 nm, 120-140 nm, 140-160 nm, 160-180 nm, and/or 180-200 nm.

In some embodiments, the mineral particles and the carrier material, independently, absorb light in the range of about 200 nm to about 500 nm. In some embodiments, the mineral particles and the carrier material, independently, absorb light at about 200 nm, 225 nm, 250 nm, 275 nm, 300 nm, 325 nm, 350 nm, 375 nm, 400 nm, 425 nm, 450 nm, 475 nm, and/or 500 nm.

In some embodiments, the mineral particles and the carrier material, independently, absorb light in the range of about 200 nm to about 500 nm. In some embodiments, the mineral particles and the carrier material, independently, absorb light in the range of about 200-250 nm, 250-300 nm, 300-350 nm, 350-400 nm, 400-450 nm, and/or 450-500 nm.

In some embodiments, the mineral particles and the carrier material, independently, absorb light in the range of about 500 nm to about 1100 nm. In some embodiments, the mineral particles and the carrier material, independently, absorb light at about 500 nm, 525 nm, 550 nm, 575 nm, 600 nm, 625 nm, 650 nm, 675 nm, 700 nm, 725 nm, 750 nm, 775 nm, 800 nm, 825 nm, 850 nm, 875 nm, 900 nm, 925 nm, 950 nm, 975 nm, 1000 nm, 1025 nm, 1050 nm, 1075 nm, and/or 1100 nm.

In some embodiments, the mineral particles and the carrier material, independently, absorb light in the range of about 500 nm to about 1100 nm. In some embodiments, the mineral particles and the carrier material, independently, absorb light in the range of about 500-550 nm, 550-600 nm, 600-650 nm, 650-700 nm, 700-750 nm, 750-800 nm, 800-850 nm, 850-900 nm, 900-950 nm, 950-1000 nm, 1000-1050 nm, and/or 1050-1100 nm.

In some embodiments, the mineral particles and the carrier material, independently, absorb light in the range of about 1100 nm to about 15000 nm. In some embodiments, the mineral particles and the carrier material, independently, absorb light at about 1100 nm, 1200 nm, 1300 nm, 1400 nm, 1500 nm, 1600 nm, 1700 nm, 1800 nm, 1900 nm, 2000 nm, 2100 nm, 2200 nm, 2300 nm, 2400 nm, 2500 nm, 2600 nm, 2700 nm, 2800 nm, 2900 nm, 3000 nm, 3100 nm, 3200 nm, 3300 nm, 3400 nm, 3500 nm, 3600 nm, 3700 nm, 3800 nm, 3900 nm, 4000 nm, 4100 nm, 4200 nm, 4300 nm, 4400 nm, 4500 nm, 4600 nm, 4700 nm, 4800 nm, 4900 nm, 5000 nm, 5100 nm, 5200 nm, 5300 nm, 5400 nm, 5500 nm, 5600 nm, 5700 nm, 5800 nm, 5900 nm, 6000 nm, 6100 nm, 6200 nm, 6300 nm, 6400 nm, 6500 nm, 6600 nm, 6700 nm, 6800 nm, 6900 nm, 7000 nm, 7100 nm, 7200 nm, 7300 nm, 7400 nm, 7500 nm, 7600 nm, 7700 nm, 7800 nm, 7900 nm, 8000 nm, 8100 nm, 8200 nm, 8300 nm, 8400 nm, 8500 nm, 8600 nm, 8700 nm, 8800 nm, 8900 nm, 9000 nm, 9100 nm, 9200 nm, 9300 nm, 9400 nm, 9500 nm, 9600 nm, 9700 nm, 9800 nm, 9900 nm, 10000 nm, 10100 nm, 10200 nm, 10300 nm, 10400 nm, 10500 nm, 10600 nm, 10700 nm, 10800 nm, 10900 nm, 11000 nm, 11100 nm, 11200 nm, 11300 nm, 11400 nm, 11500 nm, 11600 nm, 11700 nm, 11800 nm, 11900 nm, 12000 nm, 12100 nm, 12200 nm, 12300 nm, 12400 nm, 12500 nm, 12600 nm, 12700 nm, 12800 nm, 12900 nm, 13000 nm, 13100 nm, 13200 nm, 13300 nm, 13400 nm, 13500 nm, 13600 nm, 13700 nm, 13800 nm, 13900 nm, 14000 nm, 14100 nm, 14200 nm, 14300 nm, 14400 nm, 14500 nm, 14600 nm, 14700 nm, 14800 nm, 14900 nm, and/or 15000 nm.

In some embodiments, the mineral particles and the carrier material, independently, absorb light in the range of about 1100 nm to about 15000 nm. In some embodiments, the mineral particles in the mineral powder absorb light in the range of about 1100-1200 nm, 1200-1400 nm, 1400-1600 nm, 1600-1800 nm, 1800-2000 nm, 2000-2200 nm, 2200-2400 nm, 2400-2600 nm, 2600-2800 nm, 2800-3000 nm, 3000-3200 nm, 3200-3400 nm, 3400-3600 nm, 3600-3800 nm, 3800-4000 nm, 4000-4200 nm, 4200-4400 nm, 4400-4600 nm, 4600-4800 nm, 4800-5000 nm, 5000-5200 nm, 5200-5400 nm, 5400-5600 nm, 5600-5800 nm, 5800-6000 nm, 6000-6200 nm, 6200-6400 nm, 6400-6600 nm, 6600-6800 nm, 6800-7000 nm, 7000-7200 nm, 7200-7400 nm, 7400-7600 nm, 7600-7800 nm, 7800-8000 nm, 8000-8200 nm, 8200-8400 nm, 8400-8600 nm, 8600-8800 nm, 8800-9000 nm, 9000-9200 nm, 9200-9400 nm, 9400-9600 nm, 9600-9800 nm, 9800-10000 nm, 10000-10200 nm, 10200-10400 nm, 10400-10600 nm, 10600-10800 nm, 10800-11000 nm, 11000-11200 nm, 11200-11400 nm, 11400-11600 nm, 11600-11800 nm, 11800-12000 nm, 12000-12200 nm, 12200-12400 nm, 12400-12600 nm, 12600-12800 nm, 12800-13000 nm, 13000-13200 nm, 13200-13400 nm, 13400-13600 nm, 13600-13800 nm, 13800-14000 nm, 14000-14200 nm, 14200-14400 nm, 14400-14600 nm, 14600-14800 nm, and/or 14800-15000 nm.

In some embodiments, the mineral particles and carrier material permit electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of about 630 to about 800 nm to pass through.

In some embodiments, the carrier material is transparent to transparent to electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of between about 0.5 μm to about 11 μm. In some embodiments, the carrier material is transparent to electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of between about 200 nm to about 900 nm.

In some embodiments, the mineral particles and the carrier material, independently, polarize light in the range of about 200 nm to about 15000 nm.

In some embodiments, the mineral particles and the carrier material, independently, polarize light in the range of about 200 nm to about 500 nm. In some embodiments, the mineral particles and the carrier material, independently, polarize light at about 200 nm, 225 nm, 250 nm, 275 nm, 300 nm, 325 nm, 350 nm, 375 nm, 400 nm, 425 nm, 450 nm, 475 nm, and/or 500 nm.

In some embodiments, the mineral particles and the carrier material, independently, polarize light in the range of about 200 nm to about 500 nm. In some embodiments, the mineral particles and the carrier material, independently, polarize light in the range of about 200-250 nm, 250-300 nm, 300-350 nm, 350-400 nm, 400-450 nm, and/or 450-500 nm.

In some embodiments, the mineral particles and the carrier material, independently, may polarize light in the range of about 500 nm to about 1100 nm. In some embodiments, the mineral particles and the carrier material, independently, polarize light at about 500 nm, 525 nm, 550 nm, 575 nm, 600 nm, 625 nm, 650 nm, 675 nm, 700 nm, 725 nm, 750 nm, 775 nm, 800 nm, 825 nm, 850 nm, 875 nm, 900 nm, 925 nm, 950 nm, 975 nm, 1000 nm, 1025 nm, 1050 nm, 1075 nm, and/or 1100 nm.

In some embodiments, the mineral particles and the carrier material, independently, may polarize light in the range of about 500 nm to about 1100 nm. In some embodiments, the mineral particles and the carrier material, independently, polarize light in the range of about 500 nm, 525 nm, 550 nm, 575 nm, 600 nm, 625 nm, 650 nm, 675 nm, 700 nm, 725 nm, 750 nm, 775 nm, 800 nm, 825 nm, 850 nm, 875 nm, 900 nm, 925 nm, 950 nm, 975 nm, 1000 nm, 1025 nm, 1050 nm, 1075 nm, and/or 1100 nm.

In some embodiments, the mineral particles and the carrier material, independently, polarize light in the range of about 1100 nm to about 15000 nm. In some embodiments, the mineral particles and the carrier material, independently, polarize light at about 1100 nm, 1200 nm, 1300 nm, 1400 nm, 1500 nm, 1600 nm, 1700 nm, 1800 nm, 1900 nm, 2000 nm, 2100 nm, 2200 nm, 2300 nm, 2400 nm, 2500 nm, 2600 nm, 2700 nm, 2800 nm, 2900 nm, 3000 nm, 3100 nm, 3200 nm, 3300 nm, 3400 nm, 3500 nm, 3600 nm, 3700 nm, 3800 nm, 3900 nm, 4000 nm, 4100 nm, 4200 nm, 4300 nm, 4400 nm, 4500 nm, 4600 nm, 4700 nm, 4800 nm, 4900 nm, 5000 nm, 5100 nm, 5200 nm, 5300 nm, 5400 nm, 5500 nm, 5600 nm, 5700 nm, 5800 nm, 5900 nm, 6000 nm, 6100 nm, 6200 nm, 6300 nm, 6400 nm, 6500 nm, 6600 nm, 6700 nm, 6800 nm, 6900 nm, 7000 nm, 7100 nm, 7200 nm, 7300 nm, 7400 nm, 7500 nm, 7600 nm, 7700 nm, 7800 nm, 7900 nm, 8000 nm, 8100 nm, 8200 nm, 8300 nm, 8400 nm, 8500 nm, 8600 nm, 8700 nm, 8800 nm, 8900 nm, 9000 nm, 9100 nm, 9200 nm, 9300 nm, 9400 nm, 9500 nm, 9600 nm, 9700 nm, 9800 nm, 9900 nm, 10000 nm, 10100 nm, 10200 nm, 10300 nm, 10400 nm, 10500 nm, 10600 nm, 10700 nm, 10800 nm, 10900 nm, 11000 nm, 11100 nm, 11200 nm, 11300 nm, 11400 nm, 11500 nm, 11600 nm, 11700 nm, 11800 nm, 11900 nm, 12000 nm, 12100 nm, 12200 nm, 12300 nm, 12400 nm, 12500 nm, 12600 nm, 12700 nm, 12800 nm, 12900 nm, 13000 nm, 13100 nm, 13200 nm, 13300 nm, 13400 nm, 13500 nm, 13600 nm, 13700 nm, 13800 nm, 13900 nm, 14000 nm, 14100 nm, 14200 nm, 14300 nm, 14400 nm, 14500 nm, 14600 nm, 14700 nm, 14800 nm, 14900 nm, and or 15000 nm.

In some embodiments, the mineral particles and the carrier material, independently, polarize light in the range of about 1100 nm to about 15000 nm. In some embodiments, the mineral particles and the carrier material, independently, polarize light in the range of about 1100-1200 nm, 1200-1400 nm, 1400-1600 nm, 1600-1800 nm, 1800-2000 nm, 2000-2200 nm, 2200-2400 nm, 2400-2600 nm, 2600-2800 nm, 2800-3000 nm, 3000-3200 nm, 3200-3400 nm, 3400-3600 nm, 3600-3800 nm, 3800-4000 nm, 4000-4200 nm, 4200-4400 nm, 4400-4600 nm, 4600-4800 nm, 4800-5000 nm, 5000-5200 nm, 5200-5400 nm, 5400-5600 nm, 5600-5800 nm, 5800-6000 nm, 6000-6200 nm, 6200-6400 nm, 6400-6600 nm, 6600-6800 nm, 6800-7000 nm, 7000-7200 nm, 7200-7400 nm, 7400-7600 nm, 7600-7800 nm, 7800-8000 nm, 8000-8200 nm, 8200-8400 nm, 8400-8600 nm, 8600-8800 nm, 8800-9000 nm, 9000-9200 nm, 9200-9400 nm, 9400-9600 nm, 9600-9800 nm, 9800-10000 nm, 10000-10200 nm, 10200-10400 nm, 10400-10600 nm, 10600-10800 nm, 10800-11000 nm, 11000-11200 nm, 11200-11400 nm, 11400-11600 nm, 11600-11800 nm, 11800-12000 nm, 12000-12200 nm, 12200-12400 nm, 12400-12600 nm, 12600-12800 nm, 12800-13000 nm, 13000-13200 nm, 13200-13400 nm, 13400-13600 nm, 13600-13800 nm, 13800-14000 nm, 14000-14200 nm, 14200-14400 nm, 14400-14600 nm, 14600-14800 nm, and/or 14800-15000 nm.

In some embodiments, the mineral particles and the carrier material, independently, polarize light completely. In some embodiments, the mineral particles and the carrier material, independently, polarize light partially.

In some embodiments, the mineral particles and the carrier material, independently, emit light in the range of about 200 nm to about 1100 nm. In some embodiments, the mineral particles in the mineral powder emit light at about 200 nm, 225 nm, 250 nm, 275 nm, 300 nm, 325 nm, 350 nm, 375 nm, 400 nm, 425 nm, 450 nm, 475 nm, 500 nm, 525 nm, 550 nm, 575 nm, 600 nm, 625 nm, 650 nm, 675 nm, 700 nm, 725 nm, 750 nm, 775 nm, 800 nm, 825 nm, 850 nm, 875 nm, 900 nm, 925 nm, 950 nm, 975 nm, 1000 nm, 1025 nm, 1050 nm, 1075 nm, and/or 1100 nm.

In some embodiments, the mineral particles and the carrier material, independently, emit light in the range of about 200 nm to about 1100 nm. In some embodiments, the mineral particles and the carrier material, independently, emit light in the range of about 200-250 nm, 250-300 nm, 300-350 nm, 350-400 nm, 400-450 nm, 450-500 nm, 500-550 nm, 550-600 nm, 600-650 nm, 650-700 nm, 700-750 nm, 750-800 nm, 800-850 nm, 850-900 nm, 900-950 nm, 950-1000 nm, 1000-1050 nm, and/or 1050-1100 nm.

In some embodiments, the active materials of the present disclosure are fibers and are described on the basis of their tenacity (e.g., dry tenacity and wet tenacity).

In some embodiments, the active fiber materials comprise viscose as the carrier material and have a dry tenacity of about 20 cN/tex to about 30 cN/tex, e.g., about 20 cN/tex, about 21 cN/tex, about 22 cN/tex, about 23 cN/tex, about 24 cN/tex, about 25 cN/tex, about 26 cN/tex, about 27 cN/tex, about 28 cN/tex, about 29 cN/tex, or about 30 cN/tex, including all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the viscose-containing active fiber materials have a dry tenacity of about 20 cN/tex to about 25 cN/tex. In some embodiments, the viscose-containing active fiber materials have a dry tenacity of about 25 cN/tex to about 30 cN/tex. In some embodiments, the viscose-containing active fiber materials have a dry tenacity of about 23 cN/tex to about 26 cN/tex. In some embodiments, the viscose-containing active fiber materials have a dry tenacity of at least about 20 cN/tex, at least about 21 cN/tex, at least about 22 cN/tex, at least about 23 cN/tex, at least about 24 cN/tex, at least about 25 cN/tex, at least about 26 cN/tex, at least 27 cN/tex, at least 28 cN/tex, at least 29 cN/tex, or at least 30 cN/tex.

In some embodiments, the active fiber materials comprise viscose as the carrier material and have a wet tenacity of about 5 cN/tex to about 20 cN/tex, e.g., about 5 cN/tex, about 6 cN/tex, about 7 cN/tex, about 8 cN/tex, about 9 cN/tex, about 10 cN/tex, about 11 cN/tex, about 12 cN/tex, about 13 cN/tex, about 14 cN/tex, or about 15 cN/tex, including all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the viscose-containing active fiber materials have a wet tenacity of about 10 cN/tex to about 15 cN/tex. In some embodiments, the viscose-containing active fiber materials have a wet tenacity of at least about 5 cN/tex, at least about 6 cN/tex, at least about 7 cN/tex, at least about 8 cN/tex, at least about 9 cN/tex, at least about 10 cN/tex, at least about 11 cN/tex, at least 12 cN/tex, at least 13 cN/tex, at least 14 cN/tex, or at least 15 cN/tex.

In some embodiments, the active fiber materials comprise modal as the carrier material and have a dry tenacity of about 30 cN/tex to about 40 cN/tex, e.g., about 30 cN/tex, about 31 cN/tex, about 32 cN/tex, about 33 cN/tex, about 34 cN/tex, about 35 cN/tex, about 36 cN/tex, about 37 cN/tex, about 38 cN/tex, about 39 cN/tex, or about 40 cN/tex, including all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the modal-containing active fiber materials have a dry tenacity of about 30 cN/tex to about 35 cN/tex. In some embodiments, the modal-containing active fiber materials have a dry tenacity of about 35 cN/tex to about 40 cN/tex. In some embodiments, the modal-containing active fiber materials have a dry tenacity of at least about 30 cN/tex, at least about 31 cN/tex, at least about 32 cN/tex, at least about 33 cN/tex, at least about 34 cN/tex, at least about 35 cN/tex, at least about 36 cN/tex, at least 37 cN/tex, at least 38 cN/tex, at least 39 cN/tex, or at least 40 cN/tex.

In some embodiments, the active fiber materials comprise modal as the carrier material and have a wet tenacity of about 15 cN/tex to about 25 cN/tex, e.g., about 15 cN/tex, about 16 cN/tex, about 17 cN/tex, about 18 cN/tex, about 19 cN/tex, about 20 cN/tex, about 21 cN/tex, about 22 cN/tex, about 23 cN/tex, about 24 cN/tex, or about 25 cN/tex, including all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the modal-containing active fiber materials have a wet tenacity of about 15 cN/tex to about 20 cN/tex. In some embodiments, the modal-containing active fiber materials have a wet tenacity of about 20 cN/tex to about 25 cN/tex. In some embodiments, the modal-containing active fiber materials have a wet tenacity of at least about 15 cN/tex, at least about 16 cN/tex, at least about 17 cN/tex, at least about 18 cN/tex, at least about 19 cN/tex, at least about 20 cN/tex, at least about 21 cN/tex, at least 22 cN/tex, at least 23 cN/tex, at least 24 cN/tex, or at least 25 cN/tex.

In some embodiments, the active fiber materials comprise tencel as the carrier material and have a dry tenacity of about 35 cN/tex to about 45 cN/tex, e.g., about 35 cN/tex, about 36 cN/tex, about 37 cN/tex, about 38 cN/tex, about 39 cN/tex, about 40 cN/tex, about 41 cN/tex, about 42 cN/tex, about 43 cN/tex, about 44 cN/tex, or about 45 cN/tex, including all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the tencel-containing active fiber materials have a dry tenacity of about 35 cN/tex to about 40 cN/tex. In some embodiments, the tencel-containing active fiber materials have a dry tenacity of about 40 cN/tex to about 45 cN/tex. In some embodiments, the tencel-containing active fiber materials have a dry tenacity of about 38 cN/tex to about 42 cN/tex. In some embodiments, the tencel-containing active fiber materials have a dry tenacity of at least about 35 cN/tex, at least about 36 cN/tex, at least about 37 cN/tex, at least about 38 cN/tex, at least about 39 cN/tex, at least about 40 cN/tex, at least about 41 cN/tex, at least 42 cN/tex, at least 43 cN/tex, at least 44 cN/tex, or at least 45 cN/tex.

In some embodiments, the active fiber materials comprise tencel as the carrier material and have a wet tenacity of about 30 cN/tex to about 50 cN/tex, e.g., about 30 cN/tex, about 31 cN/tex, about 32 cN/tex, about 33 cN/tex, about 34 cN/tex, about 35 cN/tex, about 36 cN/tex, about 37 cN/tex, about 38 cN/tex, about 39 cN/tex, about 40 cN/tex, about 41 cN/tex, about 42 cN/tex, about 43 cN/tex, about 44 cN/tex, about 45 cN/tex, about 46 cN/tex, about 47 cN/tex, about 48 cN/tex, about 49 cN/tex, or about 50 cN/tex, including all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the tencel-containing active fiber materials have a wet tenacity of about 30 cN/tex to about 40 cN/tex. In some embodiments, the tencel-containing active fiber materials have a wet tenacity of about 30 cN/tex to about 50 cN/tex. In some embodiments, the tencel-containing active fiber materials have a wet tenacity of about 34 cN/tex to about 48 cN/tex. In some embodiments, the tencel-containing active fiber materials have a wet tenacity of at least about 34 cN/tex, at least about 35 cN/tex, at least about 36 cN/tex, at least about 37 cN/tex, at least about 38 cN/tex, at least about 39 cN/tex, at least about 40 cN/tex, at least 41 cN/tex, at least 42 cN/tex, at least 43 cN/tex, at least 44 cN/tex, at least 45 cN/tex, at least 46 cN/tex, at least 47 cN/tex, or at least 48 cN/tex.

In some embodiments, the active fiber materials comprise cotton as the carrier material and have a dry tenacity of about 15 cN/tex to about 30 cN/tex, e.g., about 15 cN/tex, about 16 cN/tex, about 17 cN/tex, about 18 cN/tex, about 19 cN/tex, about 20 cN/tex, about 21 cN/tex, about 22 cN/tex, about 23 cN/tex, about 24 cN/tex, about 25 cN/tex, about 26 cN/tex, about 27 cN/tex, about 28 cN/tex, about 29 cN/tex, or about 30 cN/tex, including all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the cotton-containing active fiber materials have a dry tenacity of about 15 cN/tex to about 20 cN/tex. In some embodiments, the cotton-containing active fiber materials have a dry tenacity of about 20 cN/tex to about 25 cN/tex. In some embodiments, the cotton-containing active fiber materials have a dry tenacity of about 25 cN/tex to about 30 cN/tex. In some embodiments, the cotton-containing active fiber materials have a dry tenacity of at least about 20 cN/tex, at least about 21 cN/tex, at least about 22 cN/tex, at least about 23 cN/tex, at least about 24 cN/tex, at least about 25 cN/tex, at least about 26 cN/tex, at least 27 cN/tex, at least 28 cN/tex, at least 29 cN/tex, or at least 30 cN/tex.

In some embodiments, the active fiber materials comprise cotton as the carrier material and have a wet tenacity of about 20 cN/tex to about 35 cN/tex, e.g., about 20 cN/tex, about 21 cN/tex, about 22 cN/tex, about 23 cN/tex, about 24 cN/tex, about 25 cN/tex, about 26 cN/tex, about 27 cN/tex, about 28 cN/tex, about 29 cN/tex, about 30 cN/tex, about 31 cN/tex, about 32 cN/tex, about 33 cN/tex, about 34 cN/tex, or about 35 cN/tex, including all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the cotton-containing active fiber materials have a wet tenacity of about 20 cN/tex to about 25 cN/tex. In some embodiments, the cotton-containing active fiber materials have a wet tenacity of about 25 cN/tex to about 30 cN/tex. In some embodiments, the cotton-containing active fiber materials have a wet tenacity of about 30 cN/tex to about 35 cN/tex. In some embodiments, the cotton-containing active fiber materials have a wet tenacity of at least about 23 cN/tex, at least about 24 cN/tex, at least about 25 cN/tex, at least about 26 cN/tex, at least about 27 cN/tex, at least about 28 cN/tex, at least about 29 cN/tex, at least 30 cN/tex, at least 31 cN/tex, at least 32 cN/tex, at least 33 cN/tex, at least 34 cN/tex, or at least 35 cN/tex.

In some embodiments, the active materials of the present disclosure are fibers and are described on the basis of their breaking elongation under dry or wet conditions.

In some embodiments, the active fiber materials comprise viscose as the carrier material and have a breaking elongation (dry conditions) of from about 10% to about 25%, e.g., about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, about 15%, about 16%, about 17%, about 18%, about 19%, about 20%, about 21%, about 22%, about 23%, about 24%, or about 25%, including all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the viscose-containing active fiber materials have a breaking elongation (dry conditions) of from about 15% to about 25%. In some embodiments, the viscose-containing active fiber materials have a breaking elongation (dry conditions) of from about 20% to about 25%. In some embodiments, the viscose-containing active fiber materials have a breaking elongation (dry conditions) of from about 16% to about 21%. In some embodiments, the viscose-containing active fiber materials have a breaking elongation (dry conditions) of at least 16%, at least 17%, at least 18%, at least 19%, at least 20%, or at least 21%.

In some embodiments, the active fiber materials comprise viscose as the carrier material and have a breaking elongation (wet conditions) of from about 20% to about 35%, e.g., about 20%, about 21%, about 22%, about 23%, about 24%, about 25%, about 26%, about 27%, about 28%, about 29%, about 30%, about 31%, about 32%, about 33%, about 34%, or about 35%, including all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the viscose-containing active fiber materials have a breaking elongation (wet conditions) of from about 20% to about 25%. In some embodiments, the viscose-containing active fiber materials have a breaking elongation (wet conditions) of from about 25% to about 30%. In some embodiments, the viscose-containing active fiber materials have a breaking elongation (wet conditions) of at least 25%, at least 26%, at least 27%, at least 28%, at least 29%, or at least 30%.

In some embodiments, the active fiber materials comprise modal as the carrier material and a breaking elongation (dry conditions) of from about 10% to about 20%, e.g., about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, about 15%, about 16%, about 17%, about 18%, about 19%, or about 20%, including all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the modal-containing active fiber materials have a breaking elongation (dry conditions) of from about 10% to about 15%. In some embodiments, the modal-containing active fiber materials have a breaking elongation (dry conditions) of from about 15% to about 20%. In some embodiments, the modal-containing active fiber materials have a breaking elongation (dry conditions) of at least 12%, at least 13%, at least 14%, at least 15%, at least 16%, or at least 17%.

In some embodiments, the active fiber materials comprise modal as the carrier material and have a breaking elongation (wet conditions) of from about 10% to about 20%, e.g., about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, about 15%, about 16%, about 17%, about 18%, about 19%, or about 20%, including all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the modal-containing active fiber materials have a breaking elongation (wet conditions) of from about 10% to about 15%. In some embodiments, the modal-containing active fiber materials have a breaking elongation (wet conditions) of from about 15% to about 20%. In some embodiments, the modal-containing active fiber materials have a breaking elongation (wet conditions) of at least 12%, at least 13%, at least 14%, at least 15%, at least 16%, or at least 17%.

In some embodiments, the active fiber materials comprise tencel as the carrier material and have a breaking elongation (dry conditions) of from about 10% to about 20%, e.g., about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, about 15%, about 16%, about 17%, about 18%, about 19%, or about 20%, including all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the tencel-containing active fiber materials have a breaking elongation (dry conditions) of from about 10% to about 15%. In some embodiments, the tencel-containing active fiber materials have a breaking elongation (dry conditions) of from about 15% to about 20%. In some embodiments, the tencel-containing active fiber materials have a breaking elongation (dry conditions) of from about 14% to about 16%. In some embodiments, the tencel-containing active fiber materials have a breaking elongation (dry conditions) of at least 12%, at least 13%, at least 14%, at least 15%, or at least 16%.

In some embodiments, the active fiber materials comprise tencel as the carrier material and have a breaking elongation (wet conditions) of from about 10% to about 20%, e.g., about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, about 15%, about 16%, about 17%, about 18%, about 19%, or about 20%, including all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the tencel-containing active fiber materials have a breaking elongation (wet conditions) of from about 10% to about 15%. In some embodiments, the tencel-containing active fiber materials have a breaking elongation (wet conditions) of from about 15% to about 20%. In some embodiments, the tencel-containing active fiber materials have a breaking elongation (wet conditions) of from about 16% to about 16%. In some embodiments, the tencel-containing active fiber materials have a breaking elongation (wet conditions) of at least 12%, at least 13%, at least 14%, at least 15%, at least 16%, at least 17%, or at least 18%.

In some embodiments, the active fiber materials comprise cotton as the carrier material and have a breaking elongation (dry conditions) of from about 5% to about 15%, e.g., about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, or about 15%, including all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the cotton-containing active fiber materials have a breaking elongation (dry conditions) of from about 5% to about 10%. In some embodiments, the cotton-containing active fiber materials have a breaking elongation (dry conditions) of from about 7% to about 9%. In some embodiments, the cotton-containing active fiber materials have a breaking elongation (dry conditions) of from about 10% to about 15%. In some embodiments, the cotton-containing active fiber materials have a breaking elongation (dry conditions) of at least 5%, at least 6%, at least 7%, at least 8%, or at least 9%.

In some embodiments, the active fiber materials comprise viscose as the carrier material and have a breaking elongation (wet conditions) of from about 10% to about 20%, e.g., about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, about 15%, about 16%, about 17%, about 18%, about 19%, or about 20%, including all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the cotton-containing active fiber materials have a breaking elongation (wet conditions) of from about 10% to about 15%. %. In some embodiments, the cotton-containing active fiber materials have a breaking elongation (wet conditions) of from about 12% to about 14%. In some embodiments, the cotton-containing active fiber materials have a breaking elongation (wet conditions) of from about 15% to about 20%. In some embodiments, the cotton-containing active fiber materials have a breaking elongation (wet conditions) of at least 12%, at least 13%, at least 14%, at least 15%, at least 16%, or at least 17%.

In some embodiments, the active materials of the present disclosure are fibers and are described on the basis of their finish.

In some embodiments, the active fiber materials comprise viscose as the carrier material and have a finish of from about 0.15% to about 0.30%, e.g., about 0.16%, about 0.17%, about 0.18%, about 0.19%, about 0.20%, about 0.21%, about 0.22%, about 0.23%, about 0.24%, about 0.25%, about 0.26%, about 0.27%, about 0.28%, about 0.29%, or about 0.30%, including all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the viscose-containing active fiber materials have a finish of from about 0.19% to about 0.29%. In some embodiments, the viscose-containing active fiber materials have a finish of from about 0.24% to about 0.29%. In some embodiments, the viscose-containing active fiber materials have a finish of at least 18%, at least 19%, at least 20%, at least 21%, at least 22%, at least 23%, at least 24%, at least 25%, at least 26%, at least 27%, at least 28%, or at least 29%.

In some embodiments, the active fiber materials comprise modal as the carrier material and have a finish of from about 0.15% to about 0.30%, e.g., about 0.16%, about 0.17%, about 0.18%, about 0.19%, about 0.20%, about 0.21%, about 0.22%, about 0.23%, about 0.24%, about 0.25%, about 0.26%, about 0.27%, about 0.28%, about 0.29%, or about 0.30%, including all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the modal-containing active fiber materials have a finish of from about 0.19% to about 0.29%. In some embodiments, the modal-containing active fiber materials have a finish of from about 0.24% to about 0.29%. In some embodiments, the modal-containing active fiber materials have a finish of at least 18%, at least 19%, at least 20%, at least 21%, at least 22%, at least 23%, at least 24%, at least 25%, at least 26%, at least 27%, at least 28%, or at least 29%.

In some embodiments, the active fiber materials comprise tencel as the carrier material and have a finish of from about 0.15% to about 0.30%, e.g., about 0.16%, about 0.17%, about 0.18%, about 0.19%, about 0.20%, about 0.21%, about 0.22%, about 0.23%, about 0.24%, about 0.25%, about 0.26%, about 0.27%, about 0.28%, about 0.29%, or about 0.30%, including all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the tencel-containing active fiber materials have a finish of from about 0.19% to about 0.29%. In some embodiments, the tencel-containing active fiber materials have a finish of from about 0.24% to about 0.29%. In some embodiments, the tencel-containing active fiber materials have a finish of at least 18%, at least 19%, at least 20%, at least 21%, at least 22%, at least 23%, at least 24%, at least 25%, at least 26%, at least 27%, at least 28%, or at least 29%.

In some embodiments, the active fiber materials comprise cotton as the carrier material and have a finish of from about 0.15% to about 0.30%, e.g., about 0.16%, about 0.17%, about 0.18%, about 0.19%, about 0.20%, about 0.21%, about 0.22%, about 0.23%, about 0.24%, about 0.25%, about 0.26%, about 0.27%, about 0.28%, about 0.29%, or about 0.30%, including all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the cotton-containing active fiber materials have a finish of from about 0.19% to about 0.29%. In some embodiments, the cotton-containing active fiber materials have a finish of from about 0.24% to about 0.29%. In some embodiments, the cotton-containing active fiber materials have a finish of at least 18%, at least 19%, at least 20%, at least 21%, at least 22%, at least 23%, at least 24%, at least 25%, at least 26%, at least 27%, at least 28%, or at least 29%.

Active Material Manufacturing

Once the carrier material is chosen and the mineral particle is selected and ground into a powder of desired size and shape, the active material is constructed. In some embodiments, the mineral powder is dispersed, suspended, embedded, or otherwise incorporated into the carrier material by methods known in the art, such as in a rotating drum with paddle-type mixers. In some embodiments, the mineral powder is introduced to the carrier material by other processes known in the art such as compounding. The examples of the process of grinding and combining can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,204,317, 6,214,264, and 6,218,007.

In some embodiments, the active material may be made as a functional viscose fiber that incorporates the mineral particles. The mineral particles may be ground into a powder and added to viscose. FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary process. The pulp (cellulose) is provided to a steeper with sodium hydroxide to form a pulp solution. The steeper is used to dissolve the cellulose and convert the cellulose to alkali cellulose. This process may also remove impurities from the cellulose and prepare it for the next step of processing. The mixture then goes through a shredder and ageing process to wash, clean, and bleach the mixture. This step may also include pressing the alkali cellulose to remove excess liquid. The aging process may be performed by exposing the mixture from the shredder to oxygen for a period of time. In order to create the fibers, the mixture is treated with carbon disulfide and then dissolved in sodium hydroxide to create a viscose solution. The viscose solution is forced through a spinneret, which creates the filaments, regenerated cellulose. The regenerated cellulose may then be spun into yarn, woven, knit, or otherwise used to create fabrics according to embodiments described herein.

In some embodiments, the active material may be mineral particles. The mineral particles may be added to the pulp of the viscose process as described above with respect to FIG. 2. The mineral particles may be prepared according to a process illustrated in FIG. 3. The mineral particles may come from trace minerals and other raw materials. The minerals and materials may be processed to form a mineral powder. The mineral powder may be mixed, ground, and dried to form a blended powder. The blended powder may be further processed to create an ultrafine powder. The ultrafine powder may be used as the additive for the viscose process as described herein.

In some embodiments, the carrier material is initially in pellet form and dried to remove moisture by using, for example, a desiccant dryer. In some embodiments, heating or cooling is necessary prior and/or during the steps of dispersing, suspending, embedding, or incorporating the mineral to obtain an even dispersion.

In some embodiments, once the mineral is dispersed in the carrier material, the resulting active material is cured or hardened.

In some embodiments, the active material is prepared in the form of an extruded fiber. The basic techniques for forming polyester fiber by extrusion from commercially available raw materials are well known to those of ordinary skill in this art and will not otherwise be repeated herein. Such conventional techniques are quite suitable for forming the fiber of the disclosure and are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,067,785, which is herein expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In some embodiments, after extrusion the fibers are combined by a spinning process, preferably using a rotary spinning machine, to yield a yarn. In some embodiments, the range of the size of the apertures in the rotary spinning machine is from about 6 microns to about 30 microns.

In some embodiments, the step of spinning the fibers of the present disclosure into yarn comprises spinning staple having a denier per fiber of between about 1 and about 3; accordingly, the prior step of spinning the melted polyester into fiber likewise comprises forming a fiber of those dimensions. The fiber is typically heat set before being cut into staple with conventional techniques. In some embodiments, while the extruded fibers are solidifying, they are drawn by methods known in the art to impart strength.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of making an active fiber material, comprising: suspending a plurality of mineral particles in a cellulose or semi-cellulose carrier material to provide an active fiber material wherein the mineral particles comprise about 1% to about 20% by weight of the fiber material. In some embodiments, the mineral particles comprise about 1.25% to about 10% by weight of the fiber material. In some embodiments, the mineral particles comprise about 1% to about 5% by weight of the fiber material. In some embodiments, the mineral particles comprise about 1.25% to about 5% by weight of the fiber material. In some embodiments, the mineral particles comprise about 1.5% to about 10% by weight of the fiber material. In some embodiments, the mineral particles comprise about 2% to about 10% by weight of the fiber material. In some embodiments, the mineral particles comprise about 2.5% to about 10% by weight of the fiber material. In some embodiments, the mineral particles comprise about 3% to about 10% by weight of the fiber material. In some embodiments, the mineral particles comprise about 3.5% to about 10% by weight of the fiber material. In some embodiments, the mineral particles comprise about 4% to about 10% by weight of the fiber material. In some embodiments, the mineral particles comprise about 4.5% to about 10% by weight of the fiber material. In some embodiments, the mineral particles comprise about 5% to about 10% by weight of the fiber material.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises reducing the average particle size of the mineral particles to less than about 2.0 μm prior to suspending said mineral particles in the carrier material.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises spinning the active fiber material to provide a yarn. In some embodiments, the method further comprises weaving the yarn with one or more natural or synthetic fibers to provide a fabric. In some embodiments, the method further comprises knitting the yarn with one or more natural or synthetic fibers to provide a fabric.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises forming fabrics, typically woven or knitted fabrics from the spun yarn in combination with both natural and synthetic fibers. Typical natural fibers include, but are not limited to, cotton, wool, hemp, silk, ramie, and jute. Other typical synthetic fibers include acrylic, acetate, Lycra, spandex, polyester, nylon, and rayon. In some embodiments, the method further comprises forming non-woven fabrics. In some embodiments, the method further comprises preparing a non-woven fabric from the active fiber material.

In some embodiments, the mineral comprises about 0.5% to about 10% of the active material. In some embodiments, the mineral comprises about 0.5% to about 5% of the active material. In some embodiments, the mineral comprises about 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, or 5.0% of the active material.

In some embodiments, the mineral comprises from about 0.5% to about 10% of the active material. In some embodiments, the mineral comprises from about 0.5% to about 5% of the active material. In some embodiments, the mineral comprises in the range of about 0.5-1.0%, 1.0-1.5%, 1.5-2.0%, 2.0-2.5%, 2.5-3.0%, 3.0-4.0% or 4.0-5.0% of the active material.

Manipulation of Active Material

The active material described herein can be manipulated into different forms depending on the application requirements. In some embodiments, the active material can be formed into useful building blocks such as fibers or films. In some embodiments, the active material is formed into small beads or particles having an average size of less than about 5 cm, less than about 1 cm, or less than about 0.5 cm.

In some embodiments, after the mineral powder and the carrier material are combined, the resulting liquid, viscous oil, or semi-solid are extruded into various shapes and forms. In some embodiments, the active material is extruded into a fiber. In some embodiments, the active material is extruded into staple fibers of various lengths. The examples of this process of extrusion, known in the art, can be found in previously disclosed references and in U.S. Pat. No. 6,067,785.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary image taken of the active material formed into fibers according to embodiments described herein. FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary cross section of the active material in the form of fibers according to embodiments described herein.

In some embodiments, once the active material is extruded into various forms, it is dried, cured, and/or hardened.

Once the polymer material system is extruded into a fiber form, in some embodiments, the fibers are combined by a spinning process, for example using a rotary spinning machine, to yield a yarn. In some embodiments, the range of the size of the apertures in the rotary spinning machine is from about 6 microns to about 30 microns.

In some embodiments, the step of spinning the fibers into a yarn comprises spinning staple fiber having a denier per fiber of between about 1 and about 3; accordingly, the prior step of spinning the melted polyester into fiber likewise comprises forming a fiber of those dimensions. The fiber is typically heat set before being cut into staple fibers with conventional techniques. In some embodiments, while the extruded fibers are solidifying, they are drawn by methods known in the art to impart strength.

In some embodiments, yarn made of the active material is further formed into fabrics or textiles, typically woven or knitted fabrics by combination with both natural and synthetic fibers. Non-limiting examples of natural fibers include cotton, wool, hemp, silk, ramie, and jute. Non-limiting examples of synthetic fibers include acrylic, acetate, Lycra®, spandex, polyester, nylon, and rayon.

In some embodiments, yarn made of the active material is dyed. In some embodiments, the fabric or textile made of the active material comprising yarn is dyed. Dyes can be synthetic or natural. Non-limiting examples of the types of dyes include direct, acid, disperse, reactive, basic, mordant, sulfur and vat dyes.

In some embodiments, yarn made of the active material is incorporated into blends with cotton and polyester in any proportion. In some embodiments, the blend includes between about 35% and about 65% by weight of cotton with the remainder being polyester. In some embodiments, said blend is about 35/65 (35% by weight of cotton and 65% by weight of polyester), 36/64, 37/63, 38/62, 39/61, 40/60, 41/59, 42/58, 43/57, 44/56, 45/55, 46/54, 47/53, 48/52, 49/51, 50/50, 51/49, 52/48, 53/47, 54/46, 55/45, 56/44, 57/43, 58/42, 59/41, 60/40, 61/39, 62/38, 63/37, 64/36, or 65/35.

In some embodiments, yarn made of the active material is incorporated into blends with cotton and polyester of 50% cotton and 50% polyester (50/50).

In some embodiments, the active material can be produced into different fibers. Other methods of production of fibers are equally suitable such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,341,512; 3,377,129; 4,666,454; 4,975,233; 5,008,230; 5,091,504; 5,135,697; 5,272,246; 4,270,913; 4,384,450; 4,466,237; 4,113,794; and 5,694,754, all of which are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.

In some embodiments, the active material is extruded into a staple fiber with a length in the range of about 0.1 cm to 15 cm. In some embodiments, the staple fiber is about 0.1 cm, 0.2 cm, 0.3 cm, 0.4 cm, 0.5 cm, 0.6 cm, 0.7 cm, 0.8 cm, 0.9 cm, 1.0 cm, 1.1 cm, 1.2 cm, 1.3 cm, 1.4 cm, 1.5 cm, 1.6 cm, 1.7 cm, 1.8 cm, 1.9 cm, 2.0 cm, 2.1 cm, 2.2 cm, 2.3 cm, 2.4 cm, 2.5 cm, 2.6 cm, 2.7 cm, 2.8 cm, 2.9 cm, 3.0 cm, 3.1 cm, 3.2 cm, 3.3 cm, 3.4 cm, 3.5 cm, 3.6 cm, 3.7 cm, 3.8 cm, 3.9 cm, 4.0 cm, 4.1 cm, 4.2 cm, 4.3 cm, 4.4 cm, 4.5 cm, 4.6 cm, 4.7 cm, 4.8 cm, 4.9 cm, 5.0 cm, 5.1 cm, 5.2 cm, 5.3 cm, 5.4 cm, 5.5 cm, 5.6 cm, 5.7 cm, 5.8 cm, 5.9 cm, 6.0 cm, 6.1 cm, 6.2 cm, 6.3 cm, 6.4 cm, 6.5 cm, 6.6 cm, 6.7 cm, 6.8 cm, 6.9 cm, 7.0 cm, 7.1 cm, 7.2 cm, 7.3 cm, 7.4 cm, 7.5 cm, 7.6 cm, 7.7 cm, 7.8 cm, 7.9 cm, 8.0 cm, 8.1 cm, 8.2 cm, 8.3 cm, 8.4 cm, 8.5 cm, 8.6 cm, 8.7 cm, 8.8 cm, 8.9 cm, 9.0 cm, 9.1 cm, 9.2 cm, 9.3 cm, 9.4 cm, 9.5 cm, 9.6 cm, 9.7 cm, 9.8 cm, 9.9 cm, 10.0 cm, 10.1 cm, 10.2 cm, 10.3 cm, 10.4 cm, 10.5 cm, 10.6 cm, 10.7 cm, 10.8 cm, 10.9 cm, 11.0 cm, 11.1 cm, 11.2 cm, 11.3 cm, 11.4 cm, 11.5 cm, 11.6 cm, 11.7 cm, 11.8 cm, 11.9 cm, 12.0 cm, 12.1 cm, 12.2 cm, 12.3 cm, 12.4 cm, 12.5 cm, 12.6 cm, 12.7 cm, 12.8 cm, 12.9 cm, 13.0 cm, 13.1 cm, 13.2 cm, 13.3 cm, 13.4 cm, 13.5 cm, 13.6 cm, 13.7 cm, 13.8 cm, 13.9 cm, 14.0 cm, 14.1 cm, 14.2 cm, 14.3 cm, 14.4 cm, 14.5 cm, 14.6 cm, 14.7 cm, 14.8 cm, 14.9 cm, or 15.0 cm.

In some embodiments, the polyester mixture is used to create a staple fiber. In some embodiments, the staple fiber is used to create a non-woven membrane.

In some embodiments, the active material is extruded into a film with a thickness in the range of about 0.05 mm to 1.00 mm. In some embodiments, the film extruded from the active material has a thickness of about 0.05 mm, 0.06 mm, 0.07 mm, 0.08 mm, 0.09 mm, 0.10 mm, 0.11 mm, 0.12 mm, 0.13 mm, 0.14 mm, 0.15 mm, 0.16 mm, 0.17 mm, 0.18 mm, 0.19 mm, 0.20 mm, 0.21 mm, 0.22 mm, 0.23 mm, 0.24 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.26 mm, 0.27 mm, 0.28 mm, 0.29 mm, 0.30 mm, 0.31 mm, 0.32 mm, 0.33 mm, 0.34 mm, 0.35 mm, 0.36 mm, 0.37 mm, 0.38 mm, 0.39 mm, 0.40 mm, 0.41 mm, 0.42 mm, 0.43 mm, 0.44 mm, 0.45 mm, 0.46 mm, 0.47 mm, 0.48 mm, 0.49 mm, 0.50 mm, 0.51 mm, 0.52 mm, 0.53 mm, 0.54 mm, 0.55 mm, 0.56 mm, 0.57 mm, 0.58 mm, 0.59 mm, 0.60 mm, 0.61 mm, 0.62 mm, 0.63 mm, 0.64 mm, 0.65 mm, 0.66 mm, 0.67 mm, 0.68 mm, 0.69 mm, 0.70 mm, 0.71 mm, 0.72 mm, 0.73 mm, 0.74 mm, 0.75 mm, 0.76 mm, 0.77 mm, 0.78 mm, 0.79 mm, 0.80 mm, 0.81 mm, 0.82 mm, 0.83 mm, 0.84 mm, 0.85 mm, 0.86 mm, 0.87 mm, 0.88 mm, 0.89 mm, 0.90 mm, 0.91 mm, 0.92 mm, 0.93 mm, 0.94 mm, 0.95 mm, 0.96 mm, 0.97 mm, 0.98 mm, 0.99 mm, or 1.00 mm.

In some embodiments, the active material is extruded into a film with a thickness in the range of about 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm. In some embodiments, the film extruded from the active material has a thickness in the range of about 0.05-0.06 mm, 0.06-0.08 mm, 0.09-0.10 mm, 0.10-0.12 mm, 0.12-0.14 mm, 0.14-0.16 mm, 0.16-0.18 mm, 0.18-0.20 mm, 0.20-0.22 mm, 0.22-0.24 mm, 0.24-0.26 mm, 0.26-0.28 mm, 0.28-0.30 mm, 0.30-0.32 mm, 0.32-0.34 mm, 0.34-0.36 mm, 0.36-0.38 mm, 0.38-0.40 mm, 0.40-0.42 mm, 0.42-0.44 mm, 0.44-0.46 mm, 0.46-0.48 mm, or 0.48-0.50 mm.

In some embodiments, the active material is extruded, woven, or non-woven into a sheet with a thickness in the range of about 1 mm to 100 mm. In some embodiments, the film extruded from the active material has a thickness of about 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, 16 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm, 19 mm, 20 mm, 21 mm, 22 mm, 23 mm, 24 mm, 25 mm, 26 mm, 27 mm, 28 mm, 29 mm, 30 mm, 31 mm, 32 mm, 33 mm, 34 mm, 35 mm, 36 mm, 37 mm, 38 mm, 39 mm, 40 mm, 41 mm, 42 mm, 43 mm, 44 mm, 45 mm, 46 mm, 47 mm, 48 mm, 49 mm, 50 mm, 51 mm, 52 mm, 53 mm, 54 mm, 55 mm, 56 mm, 57 mm, 58 mm, 59 mm, 60 mm, 61 mm, 62 mm, 63 mm, 64 mm, 65 mm, 66 mm, 67 mm, 68 mm, 69 mm, 70 mm, 71 mm, 72 mm, 73 mm, 74 mm, 75 mm, 76 mm, 77 mm, 78 mm, 79 mm, 80 mm, 81 mm, 82 mm, 83 mm, 84 mm, 85 mm, 86 mm, 87 mm, 88 mm, 89 mm, 90 mm, 91 mm, 92 mm, 93 mm, 94 mm, 95 mm, 96 mm, 97 mm, 98 mm, 99 mm, or 100 mm.

Products Made from Active Material

As described herein, the active material can be extruded into different types of fibers to form fabrics or textiles or it can be extruded into a film. These materials can then be transformed into various products that are useful in textile settings. Non-limiting examples of such products include upholstery, fashion products, hosiery, footwear, active wear, sportswear, sports wraps, base layer, gloves, and bandages.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides fabrics comprising an active fiber disclosed herein or a yarn disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the fabric comprises one or more natural fibers. In some embodiments, the one or more natural or synthetic fibers is selected from the group consisting of cotton, wool, hemp, silk, ramie, jute, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the one or more natural or synthetic fibers is selected from the group consisting of acrylic, acetate, Lycra, spandex, polyester, nylon, rayon, and mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, the fabric comprises about 30% to about 100% by weight of an active fiber material disclosed herein, e.g., about 32%, about 34%, about 36%, about 38%, about 40%, about 42%, about 44%, about 46%, about 48%, about 50%, about 52%, about 54%, about 56%, about 58%, about 60%, about 62%, about 64%, about 66%, about 68%, about 70%, about 72%, about 74%, about 76%, about 78%, about 80%, about 82%, about 84%, about 86%, about 88%, about 90%, about 92%, about 94%, about 96%, about 98%, or about 100%, including all ranges and values there between, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the fabric comprises about 30% to about 95% by weight of an active fiber material disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the fabric comprises about 30% to about 90% by weight of an active fiber material disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the fabric comprises about 30% to about 80% by weight of an active fiber material disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the fabric comprises about 30% to about 70% by weight of an active fiber material disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the fabric comprises about 30% to about 60% by weight of an active fiber material disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the fabric comprises about 40% to about 60% by weight of an active fiber material disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the fabric comprises about 50% to about 60% by weight of an active fiber material disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the fabric comprises about 33% to about 47% by weight of an active fiber material disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the fabric comprises at least about 40%, at least about 41%, at least about 42%, at least about 43%, at least about 44%, at least about 45%, at least about 46%, at least about 47%, at least about 48%, at least about 49%, or at least about 50% by weight of an active fiber material disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the fabric comprises at least about at least about 42% by weight of an active fiber material disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, the fabric comprises an active fiber material of the present disclosure or a yarn of the present disclosure; cotton; and polyester. In some embodiments, the fabric comprises an active fiber material of the present disclosure; cotton; and polyester. In some embodiments, the fabric comprises a yarn of the present disclosure; cotton; and polyester. In some embodiments, the fabric comprises about 30% to about 80% of an active fiber material or a yarn disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the fabric comprises about 60% of an active fiber material or a yarn disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the fabric comprises from about 5% to about 20% cotton. In some embodiments, the fabric comprises about 5% to about 20% polyester. In some embodiments, the fabric comprises about 80% of an active fiber material or a yarn disclosed herein, about 10% cotton, and about 10% polyester. In some embodiments, the fabric comprises about 60% of an active fiber material or a yarn disclosed herein, about 20% cotton, and about 20% polyester. In some embodiments, the fabric weight is about 30 gsm to about 950 gsm, including about 30 gsm, about 50 gsm, about 100 gsm, about 150 gsm, about 200 gsm, about 250 gsm, about 300 gsm, about 350 gsm, about 400 gsm, about 450 gsm, about 500 gsm, about 550 gsm, about 600 gsm, about 650 gsm, about 700 gsm, about 750 gsm, about 800 gsm, about 850 gsm, about 900 gsm, or about 950 gsm, and all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the fabric weight is about 30 gsm to about 500 gsm. In some embodiments, the fabric weight is about 30 gsm to about 250 gsm. In some embodiments, the fabric weight is from about 30 gsm to about 150 gsm. In some embodiments, the fabric weight is about 250 gsm to about 500 gsm. In some embodiments, the fabric weight is about 500 gsm to about 750 gsm. In some embodiments, the fabric weight is about 750 gsm to about 950 gsm.

In some embodiments, the fibers, fabrics or yarns of the present disclosure are characterized by their ability to provide an increase in transcutaneous oxygen pressure (tcPO₂) compared to a placebo comparator. Transcutaneous oximetry is a non-invasive measurement of skin oxygenation and provides tcPO₂ values. Methods for measuring tcPO₂ are known to those skilled in the art. The increase in tcPO₂ of a fiber, fabric or yarn of the present disclosure (tcPO₂) is calculated by comparing the tcPO₂ of a fiber, fabric or yarn of the present disclosure to the tcPO₂ of a placebo fiber, fabric or yarn (i.e., a substantially similarly constructed fiber, fabric or yarn without mineral particles). According to the present disclosure, test conditions for the placebo and active materials are substantially similar (e.g., the samples of the placebo and active materials are placed on the skin for about the same length of time and at about the same temperature, etc. prior to measuring tcPO₂). The transcutaneous oxygen pressure of a placebo fiber, fabric or yarn is referred to herein as the “baseline tcPO₂”. The increase in tcPO₂ provided by the active materials of the present disclosure is calculated from the following equation:

% Increase in tcPO₂=[(tcPO₂ active material−baseline tcPO₂)/baseline tcPO₂]×100

For example, if tcPO₂ of an active material is measured as 60 mm Hg and the baseline tcPO₂ is measured as 55 mm Hg, the % increase in tcPO₂ would be 9.1%. Thus, the active material described above provides an increase of 9.1% in tcPO₂ compared to baseline tcPO₂.

In some embodiments, the fiber, fabric or yarn of the present disclosure provides an increase in transcutaneous oxygen pressure (tcPO₂) of at least about 5%, at least about 6%, at least about 7%, at least about 8%, at least about 9%, at least about 10%, at least about 11%, at least about 12%, at least about 13%, or at least about 14% compared to baseline tcPO₂. In some embodiments, the fabric of the present disclosure provides an increase in transcutaneous oxygen pressure (tcPO₂) of at least about 7% compared to baseline tcPO₂.

In some embodiments, the fiber, fabric or yarn of the present disclosure provides an increase in transcutaneous oxygen pressure (tcPO₂) of about 7% to about 20% compared to baseline tcPO₂, e.g., about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, about 15%, about 16%, about 17%, about 18%, about 19%, or about 20%, including all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the fiber, fabric or yarn provides an increase in transcutaneous oxygen pressure (tcPO₂) of about 9.4% to about 14.3% compared to baseline tcPO₂.

In some embodiments, the fibers, fabrics or yarns of the present disclosure are by characterized by their ability to provide an increase in emissivity compared to a placebo comparator. As is known to those skilled in the art, emissivity is a measure of a material's ability to emit infrared energy (IR output). Methods for measuring emissivity are known to those skilled in the art. The increase in emissivity of a fiber, fabric or yarn of the present disclosure (referred to herein as the “emitted power difference” (or “ΔEP”)) is calculated by comparing the emissivity of a fiber, fabric or yarn of the present disclosure to that of a placebo fiber, fabric or yarn of the present disclosure (i.e., a similarly constructed material without mineral particles). As used herein, emitted power difference is calculated from the following equation:

ΔEP=EP_(DF)−EP_(CF)

where EP_(DF) is the emitted power (mW/cm²) from 2.5-20 μm at 35° C. measured for a fabric of the present disclosure and EP_(CF) is the emitted power (mW/cm²) from 2.5-20 μm at 35° C. measured for a control fabric. For example, if EP_(DF) is measured as 37 mW/cm² and EP_(CF) is measured as 36.75 mW/cm², the emitted power difference, ΔEP, would be 0.25 mW/cm² based on the above equation. Thus, the fabric described above provides ΔEP of 0.25 mW/cm².

In some embodiments, the fibers, fabrics or yarns of the present disclosure provide an emitted power difference (ΔEP) of from about 0.05 mW/cm² to about 2 mW/cm², e.g., about 0.05 mW/cm², about 0.1 mW/cm², about 0.15 mW/cm², about 0.2 mW/cm², about 0.25 mW/cm², about 0.3 mW/cm², about 0.35 mW/cm², about 0.4 mW/cm², about 0.45 mW/cm², about 0.5 mW/cm², about 0.55 mW/cm², about 0.6 mW/cm², about 0.65 mW/cm², about 0.7 mW/cm², about 0.75 mW/cm², about 0.8 mW/cm², about 0.85 mW/cm², about 0.9 mW/cm², about 1 mW/cm², about 1.05 mW/cm², about 1.1 mW/cm², about 1.15 mW/cm², about 1.2 mW/cm², about 1.25 mW/cm², about 1.3 mW/cm², about 1.35 mW/cm², about 1.4 mW/cm², about 1.45 mW/cm², about 1.5 mW/cm², about 1.55 mW/cm², about 1.6 mW/cm², about 1.65 mW/cm², about 1.7 mW/cm², about 1.75 mW/cm², about 1.8 mW/cm², about 1.85 mW/cm², about 1.9 mW/cm², or about 2 mW/cm², including all ranges and values therebetween. In some embodiments, the fibers, fabrics or yarns provide an ΔEP of at least about 0.25 mW/cm². In some embodiments, the fibers, fabrics or yarns provide an ΔEP of at least about 0.3 mW/cm². In some embodiments, the fibers, fabrics or yarns provide an ΔEP of at least about 0.35 mW/cm². In some embodiments, the fibers, fabrics or yarns provide an ΔEP of at least about 0.4 mW/cm². In some embodiments, the fibers, fabrics or yarns provide an ΔEP of at least about 0.45 mW/cm². In some embodiments, the fibers, fabrics or yarns provide an ΔEP of at least about 0.50 mW/cm². In some embodiments, the fibers, fabrics or yarns provide an ΔEP of at least about 0.55 mW/cm². In some embodiments, the fibers, fabrics or yarns provide an ΔEP of at least about 0.6 mW/cm². In some embodiments, the fibers, fabrics or yarns provide an ΔEP of at least about 0.65 mW/cm². In some embodiments, the fibers, fabrics or yarns provide an ΔEP of at least about 0.7 mW/cm². In some embodiments, the fibers, fabrics or yarns provide an ΔEP of at least about 0.75 mW/cm². In some embodiments, the fibers, fabrics or yarns provide an ΔEP of at least about 1 mW/cm².

In some embodiments, the fibers, fabrics or yarns of the present disclosure are characterized on the basis of their mineral content. In some embodiments, mineral content is determined by ash testing a fiber, fabric or yarn of the present disclosure. In general, ash testing referred to herein involves incinerating a sample of a fiber, fabric or yarn in a furnace set to a fixed temperature. In some embodiments, the ash test is carried out according to known industry standards, including the ASTM D2584 test and the ASTM D5630 test. In some embodiments, the ash value of the fabrics of the present disclosure is at least 0.5%. In some embodiments, the ash value of the fabrics of the present disclosure is at least 1.0%. In some embodiments, the ash value of the fabrics of the present disclosure is at least 1.5%. In some embodiments, the ash value of the fabrics of the present disclosure is at least 2.0%. In some embodiments, the ash value of the fabrics of the present disclosure is at least 2.5%. In some embodiments, the ash value of the fabrics of the present disclosure is at least 3.0%. In some embodiments, the ash value of the fabrics of the present disclosure is at least 3.5%. In some embodiments, the ash value of the fabrics of the present disclosure is at least 4.0%. In some embodiments, the ash value of the fabrics of the present disclosure is at least 4.5%. In some embodiments, the ash value of the fabrics of the present disclosure is at least 5.0%. In some embodiments, the ash value of the fabrics of the present disclosure is at least 5.5%. In some embodiments, the ash value of the fabrics of the present disclosure is at least 6.0%. In some embodiments, the ash value of the fabrics of the present disclosure is at least 5.5%. In some embodiments, the ash value of the fabrics of the present disclosure is at least 7.0%. In some embodiments, the ash value of the fabrics of the present disclosure is at least 7.5%. In some embodiments, the ash value of the fabrics of the present disclosure is at least 8.0%.

EXAMPLES Example 1: Representative Method for Preparing Active Fiber Materials of the Present Disclosure

Methods of disposing particles are known to those skilled in the art, for example, as described in Mahltig, B. “Cellulosic-Based Composite Fibers.” Inorganic and Composite Fibers: Production, Properties, and Applications. Cambridge, UK: Woodhead Publishing, 2018, 277-301, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

For example, a cellulosic fiber (viscose, lyocell, tencel, etc.) is dissolved in an ionic liquid, for example, N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO), 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate (EMIMac), or 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BMIMCl). From this solution the fiber is spun. The inorganic component(s) are then introduced into to the spinning solution, which results in introduction into the formed fiber.

Example 2: Active Fiber Materials of the Present Disclosure

Active fiber materials containing about 5% of mineral particles and about 10% of mineral particles by weight of the fiber material were prepared. The carrier material was viscose. FIG. 1A shows the viscose-containing active fiber material with about 5% of mineral particles by weight of the fiber. FIG. 1B shows the viscose-containing active fiber material with about 10% of mineral particles by weight of the fiber.

The following table shows fiber properties for two viscose fibers containing 5% mineral particle by weight of the fiber and a reference sample containing no mineral particle.

5% Mineral 5% Mineral Particle Particle (Trial (Ring No Mineral Spinneret; Spinneret; Fiber (1,3 dtex/ 1,3 dtex/ 1,3 dtex/ Properties 40 mm) 40 mm) 40 mm) Breaking 17.21 16.42 18.05 Elongation (%) Tenacity (cN) 2.8 2.6 2.0 Titer (dtex) 1.32 1.31 1.07 Tenacity (cN/tex) 22.00 19.74 18.96 Silica Ash (%) 0.4 5.6 5.6 Finish (%) 0.25 0.27 0.38

A fabric having the following composition was prepared: 60% viscose-containing active fiber materials (mineral particles comprise 5% by weight of the active fiber material); 20% Cotton and 20% Polyester. The fabric provided an increase in tcPO₂ of from 9.4% to 14.3% compared to baseline tcPO₂. The fabric provided an ash test value of 3.13%-3.17%.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All references, articles, publications, patents, patent publications, and patent applications cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entireties for all purposes. However, mention of any reference, article, publication, patent, patent publication, and patent application cited herein is not, and should not be taken as acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that they constitute valid prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in any country in the world.

Exemplary Embodiments

Embodiment one may include: an active fiber material, comprising: a cellulose or semi-cellulose carrier material; and a plurality of mineral particles disposed within the carrier material, wherein the mineral particles comprise about 1.25% to about 10% by weight of the fiber material.

Embodiment may include any combination of features or limitations. These features or limitations may include any of the following exemplary features:

The active fiber material of embodiment 1 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, wherein the mineral particles comprise about 2% to about 7% by weight of the fiber material.

The active fiber material of embodiment 1 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, wherein the mineral particles comprise about 5% by weight of the fiber material.

The active fiber material of embodiment 1 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, wherein the mineral particles comprise about 10% by weight of the fiber material.

The active fiber material of embodiment 1 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, wherein the cellulose or semi-cellulose carrier material is selected from the group consisting of lyocell, modal, rayon, viscose, and mixtures thereof.

The active fiber material of embodiment 1 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, wherein the cellulose or semi-cellulose carrier material comprises lyocell, modal, rayon, or viscose, or mixtures thereof.

The active fiber material of embodiment 1 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, wherein the cellulose or semi-cellulose material is viscose.

The active fiber material of embodiment 1 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, wherein the cellulose or semi-cellulose carrier material is made from bamboo, soy or sugar cane.

The active fiber material of embodiment 1 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, wherein the cellulose or semi-cellulose carrier material is made from tree wood.

The active fiber material of embodiment 1 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, wherein the tree wood is soft wood.

The active fiber material of embodiment 1 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, wherein the soft wood is selected from the group consisting of spruce, pine, fir, larch, hemlock, and mixtures thereof.

The active fiber material of embodiment 1 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, wherein the tree wood is hard wood.

The active fiber material of embodiment 1 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, wherein the hard wood is selected from the group consisting of oak, beech, birch, aspen, poplar, eucalyptus, and mixtures thereof.

The active fiber material of embodiment 1 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, wherein the hard wood is not eucalyptus.

The active fiber material of embodiment 1 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, where in the mineral particles are electromagnetically-active mineral particles.

The active fiber material of embodiment 1 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, wherein the mineral particles have an average particle size of less than about 2.0 μm.

The active fiber material of embodiment 1 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, wherein the mineral particles have an average particle size of less than about 1.5 μm.

The active fiber material of embodiment 1 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, wherein the mineral particles are selected from the group consisting of silicon carbide (SiC), calcium carbide (CaC2), titanium dioxide (TiO2), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), silicon dioxide (SiO2), Lapis, zirconium oxide, quartz, boron, tourmaline, manganese, Kaolin clay, Silica, Carbon, Citrine, Carnelian and mixtures thereof.

The active fiber material of embodiment 1 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, wherein the mineral particles comprise silicon carbide (SiC), titanium dioxide (TiO2), zirconium dioxide ((ZrO2). aluminum oxide (Al2O3), or silicon dioxide (SiO2), or mixtures thereof.

Add additional minerals as above

The active fiber material of embodiment 1 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, wherein the active fiber material permits electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of about 630 to about 800 nm to pass through.

The active fiber material of embodiment 1 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, wherein the mineral particles are active toward electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of between about 0.601 to about 1.015 μm.

The active fiber material of embodiment 1 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, wherein the carrier material is transparent to electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of between about 0.5 μm to about 11 μm.

The active fiber material of embodiment 1 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, wherein the carrier material is transparent to electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of between about 200 nm to about 900 nm.

The active fiber material of embodiment 1 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, wherein the active fiber material absorbs electromagnetic radiation in the range between about 400 nm to about 14,000 nm.

The active fiber material of embodiment 1 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, wherein the active fiber material polarizes electromagnetic radiation in the range between about 400 nm to about 14,000 nm.

The active fiber material of embodiment 1 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, wherein the active fiber material emits light in the range between about 200 nm and about 1,100 nm.

The active fiber material of embodiment 1 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, wherein the active fiber material emits light in the wavelength between about 350 nm and about 800 nm.

The active fiber material of embodiment 1 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, wherein the dry tenacity of the active fiber material is about 20 cN/tex to about 28 cN/tex.

The active fiber material of embodiment 1 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, wherein the breaking elongation (dry conditions) of the active fiber material is about 16% to about 25%.

The active fiber material of embodiment 1 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, wherein the finish of the active fiber material is about 0.15% to about 0.40%

The active fiber material of embodiment 1 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, wherein the active fiber material is in the form of a yarn.

The active fiber material of embodiment 1 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, wherein the yarn is spun yarn.

A fabric comprising the active fiber material of embodiment 1 and/or any combination of features of embodiment for the yarn of any embodiment described with respect to embodiment 1.

The fabric of embodiment 1 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, wherein the active fiber material of any one of embodiment 1 or features described with respect thereto is in the form of a non-woven fabric.

The fabric of embodiment 1 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, further comprising one or more natural or synthetic fibers.

The fabric of embodiment 1 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, wherein the one or more natural or synthetic fibers is selected from the group consisting of cotton, wool, hemp, silk, ramie, jute, and mixtures thereof.

The fabric of embodiment 1 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, wherein the one or more natural or synthetic fibers is selected from the group consisting of acrylic, acetate, Lycra, spandex, polyester, nylon, rayon, polyurethane, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyethylene, and mixtures thereof.

The fabric of embodiment 1 and any feature described with respect thereto, wherein the fabric comprises about 30% to about 100% by weight of the active fiber material of any one of embodiments 1-30.

The fabric of embodiment 1 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, wherein the fabric comprises: the active fiber material of any feature of embodiment 1 described herein or the yarn of any of the features of embodiment 1 described herein; cotton; and polyester.

The fabric of embodiment 1 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, wherein the fabric comprises: about 60% of the active fiber material of any of the features of embodiment 1 or the yarn of any of the features of embodiment 1; about 20% Cotton; and about 20% Polyester.

The fabric of embodiment 1 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, wherein the fabric weight is about 30 gsm to about 950 gsm.

The fabric of embodiment 1 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, wherein the fabric provides an increase in transcutaneous oxygen pressure (tcPO2) of at least about 7% compared to baseline tcPO2.

The fabric of embodiment 1 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, wherein the fabric provides an increase in transcutaneous oxygen pressure (tcPO2) of about 9.4% to about 14.3% compared to baseline tcPO2.

The fabric of embodiment 1 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, wherein the fabric provides an emitted power difference (ΔEP) of about 0.25 mW/cm2 to about 2.00 mW/cm2.

The fabric of embodiment 1 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, wherein the fabric provides an ΔEP of at least about 0.25 mW/cm2.

Embodiment two may include: a method of making an active fiber material, comprising: suspending a plurality of mineral particles in a cellulose or semi-cellulose carrier material to provide an active fiber material wherein the mineral particles comprise about 1.25% to about 10% by weight of the fiber material.

Embodiment may include any combination of features or limitations. These features or limitations may include any of the following exemplary features:

The method of embodiment 1 and/or 2 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, further comprising reducing the average particle size of the mineral particles to less than about 2.0 μm prior to suspending said mineral particles in the carrier material.

The method of embodiment 1 and/or 2 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, further comprising spinning the active fiber material to provide a yarn.

The method of embodiment 1 and/or 2 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto further comprising weaving the yarn with one or more natural or synthetic fibers to provide a fabric.

The method of embodiment 1 and/or 2 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, further comprising knitting the yarn with one or more natural or synthetic fibers to provide a fabric.

The method of embodiment 1 and/or 2 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, further comprising preparing a non-woven fabric from the active fiber material.

An active fiber material prepared by the process of embodiment 1 and/or 2 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto.

A fabric prepared by the process of any of embodiments 1 and/or 2 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto.

The fiber material of embodiment 1 and/or 2 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, the yarn of any one of embodiments or features described with respect thereto or the fabric of either embodiment 1 and/or 2 or the features described with respect thereto, wherein the fiber, yarn or fabric provides an ash test value of at least 1.0%.

The fiber material of embodiment 1 and/or 2 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, the yarn of any embodiment or combination of features or the fabric of any one of embodiments described herein or in combination of features, wherein the fiber, yarn or fabric provides an ash test value of at least 1.5%.

The fiber material of embodiment 1 and/or 2 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, the yarn of any one of embodiments or any combination of features described herein or the fabric of any one embodiments or any combination of features described with respect thereto, wherein the fiber, yarn or fabric provides an ash test value of at least 2.0%.

The fiber material of embodiment 1 and/or 2 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, the yarn of any embodiment or combination of features or the fabric of any embodiment or combination of features with respect thereto, wherein the fiber, yarn or fabric provides an ash test value of at least 2.5%.

The fiber material of embodiment 1 and/or 2 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, the yarn of an embodiment or any combination of features or the fabric of any embodiment or combination of features, wherein the fiber, yarn or fabric provides an ash test value of at least 3.0%.

The fiber material of embodiment 1 and/or 2 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, or the yarn of any embodiment and/or in combination of features, wherein the fiber or yarn provides an increase in transcutaneous oxygen pressure (tcPO2) of at least about 7% compared to baseline tcPO2.

The fiber material of embodiment 1 and/or 2 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, or the yarn of any embodiment and/or combination of features, wherein the fiber or yarn provides an increase in transcutaneous oxygen pressure (tcPO2) of about 9.4% to about 14.3% compared to baseline tcPO2.

The fiber material of embodiment 1 and/or 2 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, or the yarn of any embodiment or combination of features, wherein the fiber or yarn provides an emitted power difference (ΔEP) of about 0.25 mW/cm2 to about 2.00 mW/cm2.

The fiber material of embodiment 1 and/or 2 and/or in combination with any feature described with respect thereto, or the yarn of any embodiment or combination of features described herein, wherein the fiber or yarn provides an ΔEP of at least about 0.25 mW/cm². 

What is claimed is:
 1. An active fiber material, comprising: a cellulose or semi-cellulose carrier material; and a plurality of mineral particles disposed within the carrier material, wherein the mineral particles comprise about 1.25% to about 10% by weight of the fiber material.
 2. The active fiber material of claim 1, wherein the cellulose or semi-cellulose carrier material comprises lyocell, modal, rayon, or viscose, or mixtures thereof.
 3. The active fiber material of claim 2, wherein the cellulose or semi-cellulose material is viscose.
 4. The active fiber material of claim 1, wherein the cellulose or semi-cellulose carrier material is made from bamboo, soy or sugar cane.
 5. The active fiber material of claim 1, wherein the cellulose or semi-cellulose carrier material is made from tree wood.
 6. The active fiber material of claim 5, wherein the tree wood comprises spruce, pine, fir, larch, hemlock, or mixtures thereof.
 7. The active fiber material of claim 5, wherein the tree wood comprises oak, beech, birch, aspen, poplar, eucalyptus, and mixtures thereof.
 8. The active fiber material of claim 7, wherein the tree wood is not eucalyptus.
 9. The active fiber material of claim 1, where in the mineral particles are electromagnetically-active mineral particles.
 10. The active fiber material of claim 1, wherein the mineral particles have an average particle size of less than about 2.0 μm.
 11. The active fiber material of claim 1, wherein the mineral particles comprise silicon carbide (SiC), calcium carbide (CaC2), titanium dioxide (TiO2), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), silicon dioxide (SiO2), Lapis, zirconium oxide, quartz, boron, tourmaline, manganese, Kaolin clay, Silica, Carbon, Citrine, Carnelian, or mixtures thereof.
 12. The active fiber material of claim 1, wherein the active fiber material permits electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of about 630 to about 800 nm to pass through.
 13. The active fiber material of claim 1, wherein the carrier material is transparent to electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of between about 0.5 μm to about 11 μm.
 14. The active fiber material of claim 1, wherein the active fiber material absorbs electromagnetic radiation in the range between about 400 nm to about 14,000 nm.
 15. The active fiber material of claim 1, wherein the active fiber material polarizes electromagnetic radiation in the range between about 400 nm to about 14,000 nm.
 16. The active fiber material of claim 1, wherein the active fiber material emits light in the range between about 200 nm and about 1,100 nm.
 17. The active fiber material of claim 1, wherein the dry tenacity of the active fiber material is about 20 cN/tex to about 28 cN/tex.
 18. The active fiber material of claim 1, wherein the breaking elongation (dry conditions) of the active fiber material is about 16% to about 25%.
 19. The active fiber material of claim 1, wherein the finish of the active fiber material is about 0.15% to about 0.40%.
 20. The active fiber material of claim 1, wherein the active fiber material is in the form of a yarn.
 21. A method of making an active fiber material, comprising: suspending a plurality of mineral particles in a cellulose or semi-cellulose carrier material to provide an active fiber material, wherein the mineral particles comprise about 1.25% to about 10% by weight of the fiber material.
 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising reducing the average particle size of the mineral particles to less than about 2.0 μm prior to suspending said mineral particles in the carrier material.
 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising spinning the active fiber material to provide a yarn.
 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising weaving or knitting the yarn with one or more natural or synthetic fibers to provide a fabric.
 25. The method of claim 22, further comprising preparing a non-woven fabric from the active fiber material.
 26. An active fiber material prepared by the process of claim
 21. 27. A fabric prepared by the process of claim
 21. 